Research Focus
Dr. Lopera received his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he acquired extensive training in virology, molecular biology, and genetics, with specific experience in vaccine development. With over a decade of experience in the field of infectious disease research, Dr. Lopera has been involved in the design and development of vaccine candidates targeting pathogens that impact both human and animal populations, including SARS-CoV-2, Nipah virus, Dengue virus, and Rabies virus. He has also worked on animal diseases like White-Nose syndrome and African Swine Fever virus. Currently, Dr. Lopera serves as a Staff Scientist I in the Applied Science and Innovation (ASI), under the leadership of Dr. Ricardo Carrion Jr. In this role, he actively participates in contract research studies conducted by the ASI.