Mariola Ferraro

Mariola Ferraro is an Associate Professor in the Department of Microbiology & Cell Science at the University of Florida. Her research focuses on microbial pathogenesis, extracellular vesicles, and host defense mechanisms. She investigates how pathogens such as Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, and Yersinia interact with host cells, particularly through ubiquitin pathways and extracellular vesicle-mediated communication.

Her work integrates proteomics, immunology, and space biology to study bacterial adaptation under stress conditions like microgravity. Recent studies include the impact of simulated microgravity on Enterobacter cloacae proteomes and the role of cannabinoid receptors in modulating immune responses during infections.

Ferraro’s research also explores novel vaccine strategies using extracellular vesicles isolated from wastewater-derived Salmonella strains. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges fundamental biology with translational applications, including drug development targeting deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) and exosome-based therapies for neurological disorders.

Publications highlight her expertise in multi-omics data analysis, lipidomic profiling, and the development of standardized protocols for extracellular vesicle research (MISEV2023). Collaborations span microbiology, immunology, and space science, reflecting her commitment to advancing understanding of pathogen-host interactions in diverse environments.