RCMI - PHSU Specialized Center in Health Disparities Center for Research Resources (CRR) Leader

Research Areas

  • Arboviral diseases (dengue, Zika, chikungunya)
  • Immunology—how our defenses respond to infections
  • Community-based health research to reduce disease risk

Scientific Achievements

  • Leads large-scale community and hospital-based studies in Puerto Rico, enrolling thousands of participants to track and prevent mosquito-borne diseases.
  • Research helps identify genetic and immune factors that make some people more likely to develop severe illness.
  • Partnered with municipal leaders and residents to reduce mosquito exposure at home.
  • Train and mentor students at multiple levels to build local research capacity.
  • Secured major federal funding and industry support (NIH, CDC, RCMI, Merck) to strengthen research infrastructure and support local scientists.

Funding

RCMI Funding:

  • NIH/NIMHD U54MD007579

Other funding obtained with RCMI support:

  • CDC U01 CK000580 “Puerto Rico Enhanced Surveillance and Control of Arboviruses (PRESCA)”
  • NIH grants on flavivirus immunity (R01AI153434) and dengue vaccine evaluation (R21AI178617)
  • Merck Investigator-Initiated Study on Healthcare Resource Utilization and Health-Related Direct Costs of Medically Attended Dengue in Children and Adults

Scientific Advance

Community perceptions on challenges and solutions to implement an Aedes aegypti control project in Ponce, Puerto Rico (USA)
PLoS One. 2023 Apr 17;18(4):e0284430. PMID: 37068074; PMCID: PMC10109480
Since 2017, our research has focused on protecting Puerto Rican communities from arboviral diseases, including dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. Through large collaborative studies, we developed a clear guide for action: track infections as they occur, improve testing speed and reliability, identify who is most at risk, and implement home and neighborhood protections—such as window screens—that reduce mosquito bites and illness. This work has supported our local health department and community leaders in shaping prevention programs that fit Puerto Rico’s needs. It has also informed decisions on vaccine use and the development of new diagnostic tools. Our findings have also informed decisions on vaccine deployment strategies and the use of new diagnostic tools. Beyond public health impact, these projects have expanded training opportunities for students and professionals, building local expertise, strengthening Puerto Rico’s research capacity, and generating new jobs in science and community engagement. Together, this work advances health equity by reducing the burden of mosquito-borne illnesses while empowering communities with knowledge and resources to protect themselves.
U01 CK000580 PRESCA Program, Merck Sharp & Dohme (I.A.) LLC – Study on Patient Resource Utilization for Dengue Disease, R01AI153434, R21AI178617, PRHHU0073-22 U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, U01CK000662 – CDC Southeastern Center of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases: Gateway Program
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