Rekha R. Rapaka

Rekha R. Rapaka, MD, PhD is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and a key researcher at the Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health. Her work bridges infectious diseases and immunology, focusing on Salmonella, fungal infections, and vaccine development.

Education:

• Stanford University (B.S., A.B. in Biological Sciences and Philosophy, 2001)
• University of Pittsburgh (Ph.D. in Immunology, 2008; M.D., 2010)
• Johns Hopkins University (Internal Medicine Residency, 2014)
• University of Maryland (Adult Infectious Diseases Fellowship, 2018)

Research Focus: Dr. Rapaka investigates intersections between innate and adaptive immunity in infectious diseases, particularly Salmonella and fungal pathogens. Her NIAID K08 grant explores early immune programming against invasive Salmonella, while her clinical work addresses vaccine development and antiviral therapies.

Scientific Awards:

• NIAID-NIH K08 Career Development Award (2019)
• Passano Foundation Clinician-Scientist Award (2019)
• NIH F30 National Research Service Award (2006-2010)
• American Association of Immunologists Trainee Abstract Award (2008)

Professional Roles: She serves as a Principal Investigator for the NIAID Adaptive COVID-19 Treatment Trial (ACTT) and co-investigator on multiple vaccine trials. Clinically, she is an Infectious Diseases Attending at the University of Maryland Medical Center.