Mariel JAIS, PharmD

Biography

Dr. Jais brings her scientific, managerial, and administrative experience to the NIA Scientific Review Branch. After obtaining a BS degree in Biochemistry and a PharmD degree from Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (Córdoba, Argentina), she conducted research at the University of Pittsburgh’s Graduate School of Public Health, where she focused on the role of activated B cells and dendritic cells in the transmission of HIV to bystander T cells, and the innate and adaptive immunopathogenesis of Human Herpesvirus-8 and HIV. The remainder of her career before joining NIA was spent at The George Washington University (GW). At GW’s Milken Institute School of Public Health, she conducted research on the interplay between aging and infectivity of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, notably, on how menopause and behavioral factors affect HIV acquisition in women. Finally, she became the Director of GW’s Office of Laboratory Safety, where, with the help of her staff, she was responsible for administering the Biosafety, Laser Safety, and Radiation Safety programs that govern all university laboratories, spread across GW’s three campuses in the District of Columbia and Virginia.