Mercedes Pastorini
Research  |  2024-25

Argentina

Mercedes Pastorini is a doctoral fellow at the National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET) of Argentina. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biotechnology from the National University of Quilmes, Argentina. Currently, Mercedes is completing her PhD project, titled “Superantigens for the Treatment of Leukemia/Lymphoma,” which she is conducting both at the National University of Quilmes and the National Academy of Medicine of Buenos Aires. In addition to her research, she serves as a professor at the National University of Quilmes, where she teaches courses in Immunology, Environmental Legislation, and Public Health.

With eight years of experience in the field of vaccinology, Mercedes has specialized in the study of virus-like particles (VLPs) derived from the Junín virus. Her work also extends to projects aimed at enhancing public understanding of science and contributing to university extension initiatives. Since 2020, she has been a member of the “Science Against Fake News” team and continues to serve as the coordinator for in-person activities.

Through a Fulbright-Secretaría de Educación grant from Argentina, Mercedes undertook a three-month research project at the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics at the University of New Mexico’s School of Medicine, under the supervision of Professor Bryce Chackerian. The project focused on the development of bacteriophage virus-like particles (VLPs) and aimed to explore alternative systems for the creation of a therapeutic vaccine for leukemia/lymphoma. Mercedes conducted research at UNM from August 2024 to November 2024.