Marco Azaro

Marco Azaro is an Assistant Research Professor in the Department of Genetics at the School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers University. He contributes bioinformatics and computational genetics expertise to key research initiatives including the ARCC and CNSP projects, focusing on human disease genetics and central nervous system disorders.

His research interests lie at the intersection of genetics and computational biology, with a focus on bioinformatics tool development, small RNA analysis, genotyping platform design, and genetic mechanisms in disease. He specializes in developing software for multiplex PCR primer generation and microarray data analysis, supporting high-throughput genetic studies.

Dr. Azaro's work enables advanced genotyping through Luminex-based platforms, contributing to large-scale genetic research efforts. His background in molecular genetics, combined with strong programming skills, positions him as a key contributor in translational genomics and systems biology approaches to complex diseases.

He has been a long-standing member of Linda Brzustowicz's research laboratory since 2005, transitioning from Postdoctoral Fellow to a permanent research faculty role, indicating sustained contribution and leadership in bioinformatics support.

Marco Azaro obtained his Ph.D. in Biology from Brown University in 2002 under the supervision of Arthur Landy, where his doctoral research investigated the site-specific recombination mechanisms employed by lambda bacteriophage during host genome integration.

Notable affiliations and roles include:

• Assistant Research Professor, Department of Genetics, Rutgers University
• Key contributor to ARCC (Autism and Related Conditions Consortium) and CNSP (Central Nervous System Program) projects
• Developer of bioinformatics pipelines for genotyping and expression analysis
• Designer of primer and probe panels for Luminex-based platforms