Gerardo Vasta

Dr. Gerardo Vasta is a Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, with a multidisciplinary background in biochemistry, zoology, and immunology. His research focuses on glycosciences, particularly protein-carbohydrate interactions in innate immunity, cancer, and developmental biology.

• National University La Plata: Chemist (1972), Licenciate in Biochemistry (1973), Licenciate in Zoology (1976), PhD in Biochemistry (1978), PhD in Zoology (1980)
• Roswell Park Memorial Institute: Post-Doctoral Fellow (1979-1980)
• Medical University of South Carolina: Post-Doctoral Fellow (1981-1982), Research Associate (1982-1984)

His work bridges structural biology and immunology, using zebrafish, C. elegans, eastern oyster, and murine models to investigate galectins' roles in immune regulation, pathogen recognition, and cancer diagnostics. Current projects examine galectin mechanisms in lung infections and viral interactions.

Recent publications highlight galectin-mediated immune responses, bacterial adhesion inhibition, and glycan-based therapeutic strategies. Articles focus on zebrafish models, marine pathogens, and translational applications of lectin research.

• Honor Student Award, Mar del Plata City Council (1968-1973)
• Fogarty Fellowship, NIH (1981-1983)
• J. William Fulbright Scholar (2007)
• National Award 'Raíces', Argentina (2016)

Dr. Vasta mentors graduate students and hosts summer interns. His lab receives funding from NSF, NIH, NOAA, and NIH study sections. He serves on editorial boards for Glycobiology and Invertebrate Immunity.