Dario Ferri, Immunology

Dario FerriStudent’s Name: Dario Ferri
Country of Origin: Barrie, Ontario, Canada
Pre-MSc/PhD Education: BSc. majoring in Immunology & Physiology, UofT
Recent Research Experience: I worked as a volunteer research student in the lab of Dr. Gary Levy in my 3rd year of undergrad and stayed in his lab to complete a 4th year research project focused on the development of immunological memory during chronic viral infection. I am currently pursuing my MSc. degree in the lab of Dr. Joan Wither studying the role of Interferon-Alpha in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Current Research: I began my masters project in January 2017 studying the effects of Interferon-Alpha on B cell tolerance in the context of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). My project is aimed at providing insight into the direct effects Interferon-Alpha may be having on B cells during autoimmune disease, which may prove Interferon-Alpha to be an effective target for the development of future SLE therapeutics.

Why Faculty of Medicine? I chose to be a student within the Faculty of Medicine largely because it is a great faculty which has amazing international recognition as well as has some of the leading investigators in several fields of science. It is very motivating for me to learn and conduct my research in the same faculty as some of the worlds leading scientists. 

Future Education Plans and/or Career Goals. My ultimate goal is to pursue an MD/PhD degree and be able to practice medicine as well as conduct translational research at the same time. I am very interested in the field of autoimmunity/rheumatic disease and hope to one day be able to apply findings in the lab to improving the clinical course of disease in autoimmune patients.

Contact Ambassador Dario Ferri