Enrico Rey Barrozo

Dr. Enrico Rey Barrozo is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Baylor College of Medicine, where he also contributes to the Development, Disease Models & Therapeutics Graduate Program. He leads the Barrozo Lab, which investigates maternal-fetal immunology, host-microbe interactions, and environmental impacts on placental and fetal development. His lab is based at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, with strong affiliations to Texas Children’s Hospital.

His research spans several key areas: understanding viral pathogenesis (Zika, SARS-CoV-2, RSV) using spatial transcriptomics and single-cell RNA sequencing; investigating the effects of environmental exposures like microplastics and ozone on placental function; and developing in utero gene therapies. His work integrates advanced multiomics approaches to uncover molecular mechanisms in perinatal disease.

The recent publications from Dr. Barrozo’s lab highlight a strong trend in spatial and single-cell genomics applied to placental biology, with a growing focus on environmental health disparities. His team has pioneered spatial transcriptomic mapping of viral niches in the placenta and quantified microplastic accumulation in human placentae, linking it to preterm birth. These studies reflect a shift toward environmental toxicology and public health implications in maternal-fetal medicine.

Scientific Awards and Recognitions:

• NSF Postdoctoral Fellowship in Biology
• NIH Loan Repayment Award in Pediatrics
• MIEHR Pilot Award
• Career Development Award, American Society for Gene & Cell Therapy (ASGCT)
• Best Research Poster Award, Environmental Health Disparities Centers of Excellence
• SMFM Outstanding Early Career Investigator Travel Award
• President’s Presenter’s Award, Society for Reproductive Investigation (SRI)

Dr. Barrozo has successfully secured multiple grants from NIH, NSF, NIEHS, and NIMHD, supporting research on fetal immune programming, microplastic bioaccumulation, and gene therapy. He mentors graduate students such as Maryshe Zietsman and collaborates extensively across institutions, including with the Matt Campen Lab. His lab is part of multidisciplinary networks such as the 10x Genomics Clinical Translational Research Network and professional societies including the American Society for Virology and Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine.

The Barrozo Lab operates within the Jewish Building at Baylor College of Medicine, utilizing state-of-the-art facilities for spatial biology, genomics, and environmental toxicology. The lab actively participates in national conferences and has been featured in major media outlets like The Guardian for its groundbreaking work on microplastics in human placentae.