Irena Pastar

Irena Pastar is a Research Professor in the Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at the University of Miami, where she serves as Research Director of the Hidradenitis Center. Previously, she was an Assistant Professor at New York University School of Medicine.

• PhD, Microbial Genetics - University of Belgrade
• MS, Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering - University of Belgrade
• BS, Molecular Biology - University of Belgrade
• Postdoctoral Fellowships: Immunology at The Rockefeller University (2006), Wound Healing at Hospital for Special Surgery/Weill Cornell (2009)

Her research focuses on molecular mechanisms of skin and wound infections, host-pathogen interactions in chronic wounds (diabetic foot ulcers, hidradenitis suppurativa), and novel antimicrobial therapies. Her lab discovered how pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus evades cutaneous defenses through intracellular residence in keratinocytes, causing pyroptosis and healing inhibition. Current projects investigate S. aureus intracellular life cycles, commensal microorganism defense activation, and topical antimicrobial evaluation (probiotics/postbiotics).

Recent publications highlight expertise in urinary microRNA biomarkers for wound healing diagnostics, antimicrobial resistance management, and minimally invasive treatments for hidradenitis suppurativa. Research intersects wound microbiome analysis, microbial dysbiosis interventions, and translational regenerative science.

• Excellence in Translational Regenerative Science Award x2 (Wound Healing Society)
• Brian V. Jegasothy Basic Science Research Award
• Best Laboratory Research Award (Society for Advanced Wound Care)
• Young Investigator Travel Award (Wound Healing Society)
• FEMS Fellowships
• University of Belgrade Fellowship

Dr. Pastar mentors extensively across academic levels, teaching Master's programs in Skin Biology and Dermatological Sciences. She directs the "Frontiers in Science" course and lectures on "Skin Biology and Pathophysiology" and "Microbiology & Immunology of the Skin." Her mentees have secured positions at NIH, Columbia University, University of Pennsylvania, and Albert Einstein University.