Mariana De Niz

Dr. Mariana De Niz serves as Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology and Manager of the Nikon Imaging Center at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine since 2023. With two decades of international experience across Europe, Africa, and Latin America, she specializes in infectious disease research and advanced imaging techniques for studying host-pathogen interactions, particularly in parasitic infections.

Her educational background includes a BS from the University of Glasgow (2010), MS from London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (2011), and a PhD from the University of Bern (2016), complemented by specialized training in tropical medicine and vaccine development. Postdoctoral work at Harvard School of Public Health (2018), Instituto de Medicina Molecular (2021), and Institut Pasteur (2022) honed her expertise in microscopy and infectious diseases.

Dr. De Niz's research integrates intravital, super-resolution, and optoacoustic imaging to investigate parasite sequestration mechanisms in trypanosomiasis. She pioneers open-access microscopy tools and advocates for democratizing imaging technology globally. Her work spans parasitology, vascular biology, and bioengineering, with recent focus on AI-powered microscopy and 3D microvessel models to understand parasite behavior in host vasculature.

Analysis of her 38+ publications reveals strong emphasis on innovative imaging approaches to parasitology, including microfluidics for parasite behavior studies and computational methods for image analysis. These works bridge molecular mechanisms with translational applications in tropical disease research, particularly regarding Trypanosoma species sequestration and vascular damage.

Professional memberships include Quarep-LiMI (2024-present), where she contributes to global guidelines for imaging scientist career development. She actively builds bioimaging networks across the Americas to enhance research capacity and promote open science practices in microscopy.

No scientific awards were reported in the provided materials. While specific grant details are unavailable, her leadership in core facility management and extensive publication record indicate active research support. Dr. De Niz mentors researchers through the Nikon Imaging Center, providing technical training in advanced microscopy techniques.

As Nikon Imaging Center Manager, she oversees state-of-the-art microscopy resources and collaborates with international consortia to advance imaging science. Her initiatives focus on sustainable career paths for imaging professionals and expanding access to cutting-edge microscopy worldwide, particularly in resource-limited settings.