Ashley T. Martino

Ashley T. Martino, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor and Primary Investigator in Pharmaceutical Sciences at St. John’s University’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. She specializes in viral gene therapy, focusing on improving AAV vector efficiency and overcoming immune responses in diseases like hemophilia and COPD. Her research integrates immunology, molecular biology, and pharmacology to enhance therapeutic outcomes.

Dr. Martino earned a PhD in Genetics/Viral Gene Therapy from the University of Florida (2007), a BS in Biology from Cal State University Northridge (2002), and an AAS in Avionic Electrician from the Community College of the Air Force (1998). Prior to academia, she served four years in the U.S. Air Force and worked as a Research Assistant in molecular biology and plant genomics.

Her research interests include immune responses to viral vectors, hormone-regulated transduction, and AAV vectors as drug delivery systems. She mentors MS and PhD students in Pharmacology and Toxicology and teaches courses in Anatomy & Physiology, Immunology, and Biochemistry.

Her publications emphasize AAV vector optimization, immune evasion strategies, and clinical translation. Notable studies include insulin-enhanced AAV transduction and engineered vectors to reduce T-cell targeting. She actively contributes to the Neuroscience Research Group and collaborates on grants exploring gene therapy applications.

Dr. Martino’s work bridges basic science and clinical practice, aiming to advance therapies for genetic disorders and chronic diseases. Her lab at St. John’s continues to innovate in viral vector design and pre-clinical testing.