Scientist of the Semester: Dr. Paulo Verardi

Dr. Paulo Verardi is a virologist studying the creation of vaccines for life-threatening diseases. More recently, Paulo Verardi and his research group have been trying to develop a vaccine using viral vectors to attack the Zika virus. In December, Dr. Verardi received funding by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to be able to look into further possibilities on viral vectors that can specifically target the Zika virus in infected organisms.

The Zika virus, a disease caused by the Aedes genus mosquito, is spreading throughout warm climates, especially South America.The Zika virus tends to appear in the southern hemisphere and in hotter weather, such as Florida. There is very little known about this deadly virus and thus still has no cure. Although 80% of people do not show symptoms and the illness is mild, it can directly attack the fetus in a pregnant woman. Furthermore, this disease can be very deceptive because if the mom contracts the disease, it can be possible for the baby to be born with microcephaly, causing abnormal structures in the fetus or even pregnancy loss.

Dr. Verardi is originally from Brazil and learnt the outbreak of the Zika virus while he read his daily Brazilian news. From being one of the first to know about the disease, he had the advantage to start working on a vaccine before most people. He used the viral DNA to further study the disease and create a possible useful vaccine. He is still working on a vaccine and has learned a lot about the disease. Dr. Paulo Verardi stated that the most exciting part about his job was the possibility of the having an impact on society. He is inspired every day to do his work because he knows that with every trial, he is taking a step closer to better the lives of those who suffer from this deadly disease.

He suggested that in order to prevent being infected by such a virus, one should wear bug repellent and take insect precautions when in hot climates or travelling to the Southern Hemisphere. On a last note, Dr. Paulo Verardi wanted to vocalize to the UConn students to take advantage of opportunities and to not be afraid to try new things. Dr. Paulo Verardi received an advantage when he received the NIH grant and took a big leap when he saw the opportunity to possibly change the world. Dr. Verardi and his research team could make a difference in the pathobiological world and he believes that any student is capable of doing the same.