Leo Ratzan, B.S.
Leo graduated from the University of Miami in 2023 with a B.S in Microbiology and Immunology. He has been involved in research since his junior year of high school. He first worked in a laboratory under the mentorship of Dr. Derek Dykxhoorn at the University of Miami in 2018. The project was focused on studying iPSC-derived neurons from patients suspected of suffering from Alzheimer's and Dementia. This work inspired him to continue his journey at the University of Miami after enrolling for undergraduate studies there. In 2020, he volunteered as a research assistant in Dr. Mario Stevenson’s laboratory at the University of Miami. Here, he studied the genetic role of HIV that have a high fusogenicity with macrophages. His graduation led him to the Ndhlovu laboratory at Weill Cornell in New York where he helps with research involved in the many complications of patients with HIV and the immunology behind these issues. In the future, Leo aspires to attend medical school and become a doctor.
Research Interest: Immunology
Fun Fact: Outside of work, Leo spends his time food touring New York City. However, he enjoys cooking food just as much as he enjoys eating too. There are few things that make him happier than a full table of food and guests!
Hometown: Miami, FL
Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Immunology