Robert “Robbie” Patio

Robbie pursued his undergraduate studies at Fairleigh Dickinson University, where he wrote his honors thesis on chitosan-based nanoparticles and their growth-inhibiting potential against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. After working directly with COVID-19 patients during the pandemic, he began his graduate studies at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, where he pursued an M.S. in Infectious Disease and Global Health. Subsequently, he developed a particular interest in virology and gene therapy as a method of treating viral infections. Currently, Robbie serves as a Research Assistant II in the Virology group of the Barouch laboratory. During his free time, Robbie practices boxing, muay thai, and Brazilian jiu jitsu and enjoys spending time with his dog, Finn.