Mark Travassos

Dr. Mark Travassos is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. He serves as the Director of the Global Health Track for the Pediatrics Residency Program and co-directs the Immunoepidemiology and Pathogenesis Unit within the Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health's Malaria Research Program. His expertise spans malaria pathogenesis, epidemiology, and vaccine development, with a focus on cerebral malaria and protective immunity in malaria-endemic regions.

Education: A.B. in Biology (Harvard University), MSc in Biology (University of Oxford), M.D. (Cornell University Medical College), pediatric residency at Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, and a fellowship in Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Tropical Pediatrics at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

Research Interests: Dr. Travassos investigates malaria parasite variant surface antigens, sickle cell trait protection mechanisms, and natural immunity development. His work includes serosurvey studies in Ethiopia and global health initiatives addressing vaccine coverage and migrant health. He collaborates on projects analyzing immune responses to malaria antigens and genomic epidemiology.

Advising & Grants: Advises PhD students Emily Stucke and Albert Zhou. Group members include Noah Ventimiglia, Rafal Sobota, Rachel Bailey, and Bryan Cummings. His research has been supported by grants focusing on malaria pathogenesis, vaccine development, and global health interventions.

Labs & Teams: Active in the Malaria Research Program and Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health. Collaborates with institutions in Mali and Ethiopia, focusing on field studies and clinical trials.