AAI member Francisco Gomez-Rivera is a PhD graduate student at the University of Michigan. His journey into the field of immunology began during his undergraduate studies at the University of Puerto Rico, Ponce. His introduction to AAI came when he attended the AAI Annual Meeting as an undergraduate. Though he initially knew little about immunology, his experiences with AAI ignited a lifelong passion for the subject.
From Masters to Doctorate
Francisco Gomez-Rivera previously worked in Dr. Thomas Forsthuber’s lab at the University of Texas at San Antonio. There, Francisco investigated the role of TNF receptor two in multiple sclerosis. His efforts earned him recognition, where he was awarded the opportunity to present his research at AAI’s Annual Meeting as a master’s student. This was an experience that, while challenging, solidified his dedication to immunology research and discovery.
Francisco later embarked on a PhD program at the University of Michigan. Under the guidance of Dr. Kathy Collins, he delved into one of the most pressing challenges in infectious disease research: understanding the molecular mechanisms of HIV latency. In Dr. Collins’ lab, Francisco helped develop a dual-reporter probe capable of distinguishing between latent and active infected cells—a groundbreaking tool for studying a virus that integrates into the genome and lies dormant in DNA.
Award Winning
Francisco’s journey has also been marked by his advocacy for diversity in science. As an AAI member, Francisco received the AAI Diversity Travel Award, which enabled him to share his research and connect with fellow scientists at AAI’s Annual Meeting. For Francisco, this recognition reflects AAI’s unwavering support for minority students and trainees as they navigate their careers from undergraduate studies to postdoctoral positions.
Francisco’s story exemplifies the transformative power of education, mentorship, and perseverance. As he prepares to move forward in his career, Francisco remains deeply committed to fostering connections within the scientific community and advancing knowledge that could lead to life-changing treatments for patients worldwide.
