Alvaro Acosta Serrano

Alvaro Acosta Serrano is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Notre Dame, where he leads research in molecular parasitology and vector biology. He previously held academic positions at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine as Senior Lecturer and Reader, and has been affiliated with institutions including the Marine Biological Laboratory and University of Glasgow.

• Current: Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame (2023–Present)
• 2021–2023: Reader in Molecular Parasitology and Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
• 2015–2021: Senior Lecturer / Assistant Professor, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
• 2019–2022: Honorary Faculty, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole

His research focuses on vector-borne diseases, particularly the molecular mechanisms by which parasites like Trypanosoma and Leishmania interact with their insect vectors. Key areas include parasite glycobiology, salivary biomarkers, transmission-blocking strategies, and the role of the insect microbiome. His work bridges basic science and applied public health, with implications for vaccine development and disease control in endemic regions.

The 15 most recent publications reflect a strong trend in molecular parasitology, vector biology, and global health. Topics span from fundamental glycobiology of parasite surface molecules to applied studies on transmission-blocking interventions and diagnostics for cutaneous leishmaniasis. Notably, his team has contributed to understanding SARS-CoV-2 infection mechanisms through glycosylation inhibition and explored drug repurposing for African trypanosomiasis. The work is frequently published in high-impact journals such as PLoS Biology, mBio, and PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, indicating a broad interdisciplinary reach across parasitology, virology, and immunology.

Scientific awards and honors are not explicitly listed in the provided text. However, his sustained research funding and leadership roles suggest recognition in the field.

• Deputy Editor, PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases (2017–Present)
• Associate Editor, PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases (2014–2017)
• Editorial Board Member, Molecular and Biochemical Parasitology (2018–Present)
• Editorial Board Member, Experimental Parasitology (2019–Present)
• Guest Editor, Parasitology – Special Issue on 'Parasite Glycobiology' (2019)
• Co-editor, 'Trypanosomes — after the genome', Horizon Press (2007)

Dr. Acosta-Serrano has advised numerous researchers and students, though specific names are not listed. His group has secured grants for research on Old-World cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Middle East, development of transmission-blocking vaccines for trypanosomiasis, and studies on vector salivary biomarkers. He actively collaborates with international teams across the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East. His lab at Notre Dame continues to pioneer research on parasite-vector interactions, with future work likely focusing on novel interventions for neglected tropical diseases and the impact of climate and migration on disease spread.

His research group operates at the intersection of molecular biology and global health, with strong ties to field studies in endemic regions. The team employs advanced techniques in glycobiology, genomics, and immunology to dissect host-parasite-vector interactions. Collaborative networks include institutions in Venezuela, Brazil, the UK, and the United States, supporting both laboratory and epidemiological investigations.