Mario Grijalva, PhD
- B.S. in Biology from Catholic University, Quito, Ecuador (1991)
- Ph.D. in Immuno-parasitology and Molecular and Cellular Biology from Ohio University, Athens, OH (1997)
- Postdoctoral training in Immunology and Molecular Parasitology at the Division of Parasitic Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA (1997-1999)
- Prevention of infectious diseases of Appalachian Ohio
- Ecology and diagnosis of tick-borne diseases
- Improving safety of the blood supply
- Serological and epidemiological studies in Chagas disease endemic areas of Ecuador and in the United States
- Biological and physiological studies of Chagas disease vectors from Ecuador
- Ecology of mammalian T. cruzi reservoirs and characterization of T. cruzi strains present in Ecuador and the USA.
- Development of research infrastructure and improvement of research training in Ecuador.
- Healthy Living Initiative: Long term Chagas disease Control via social development
- Global Health
- Tropical Diseases
Dr. Grijalva’s research focuses on understanding and controlling infectious diseases affecting vulnerable communities in Latin America and Appalachian Ohio. His lab integrates molecular epidemiology, field ecology, diagnostics development, and health communication to improve detection and prevention of Chagas disease, tick-borne infections, and other neglected conditions.
Working across Ohio University and CISeAL–PUCE in Ecuador, his team combines laboratory studies, community-based fieldwork, and multimedia outreach—including the En Moto Contra el Chagas series—to translate science into practical, culturally grounded tools for public health. The group also leads the Healthy Living Initiative, a long-term effort to reduce disease by strengthening rural housing, local capacity, and social development. Find out more.
Training opportunities are available for students interested in global health, molecular biology, ecology, or science communication.