Luis A. Rodriguez

Hi, my name is Luis A. Rodríguez Rodríguez. I grew up in Toa Alta, Puerto Rico and went to the University of Puerto Rico, Arecibo Campus. I graduated with a Bachelor’s in sciences with a concentration in Microbiology.

It was not until I was in high school that I realized my real interests. In these years, I took the general biology and chemistry courses, where through laboratories and activities, I fell in love with science. Also, I found it curious that beyond the biological macro perspective, where we observe everything with the naked eye, the entire planet is also home to microorganisms, which plays an essential role in nature and the organisms that inhabit it. These let me to develop an interest in the microbiology field. My bachelor’s in microbiology allowed me to learn and explore about different topics related to microbiology. Still, it was not until I took the courses of immunology and molecular biology that I began to show interest in learning more about host-pathogen interactions and infectious diseases. At the same time, my research interest arose after taking these courses’ laboratories, where I discovered a particular interest in biomedical science research.

Despite having participated in research projects during my undergraduate studies, I did not have the opportunity to research biomedical sciences, specifically in host-pathogens interactions and infectious diseases, thus I applied to the NIH-PREP at University of Georgia to acquire more experience and training in research before applying to a graduate program. What grabbed my attention to this program is that it offers training in infectious diseases research, which has allowed me to receive research training in a laboratory aligned with my research interests.

As a PREP@UGA scholar, I joined the Dr. Daniela Rajao and Dr. Daniel Perez Laboratory at the Poultry Diagnosis and Research Center. I worked with my research mentor, Dr. Joaquin Caceres, and an undergraduate research assistant, Claire Gay on the develop or improve methods for controlling influenza viruses.  My main focus is related to the development of Live Attenuated Influenza Virus (LAIV) vaccine platforms against H9N2 IAVs using the reverse genetic approach. H9N2 IAVs cause economic loss to the poultry industry, and due to their zoonotic potential, the World Health Organization places H9N2 among those with pandemic potential. My project’s objective is to evaluate the feasibility of developing a LAIV vaccine for H9N2 IAV by employing genomic rearrangements. In this project, I have used laboratory techniques such as Cell Culture Preparation, Plasmid Cloning, Reverse Genetic Transfection, Hemagglutination Assays, Reverse Transcript-PCR, Real Time-PCR, Sanger Sequencing, Luciferase Polymerase Assays, Viral Serial Passages, among others. Throughout my time in the Rajao/Perez Lab, I began learning the foundations needed to perform molecular biology and virology research. Beyond research experience, the PREP@UGA helped me develop skills such as project management, independence, time management, scientific maturity and good communication.

I aspire to obtain a doctoral degree to become a professor and leader investigator focused on elucidating crucial host-pathogen interactions for the development of novel antimicrobial treatments. After a PhD, I want to pursue post-doctoral training to enhance my training and acquire the skills necessary to excel in academia. As a mentor, being part of the Latinx community, one of my goals is to promote STEM careers in disadvantaged communities by establishing links with the National Institute of Health (NIH) and National Science Foundation (NSF) to encourage diversity in Biomedical Sciences programs.