Professor Dr. Mary Stevenson

Biography

Mary M. Stevenson is a Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at McGill University, specializing in infectious diseases, particularly malaria, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis. Her research focuses on understanding the mechanisms of protective immunity against blood-stage malaria, with specific interest in identifying the roles of various immune cells and cytokines in initiating and regulating immune responses. She utilizes murine models to study the infection dynamics of rodent malaria parasites, drawing parallels to human malarial infections. An important aspect of her work involves investigating how cytokine regulation impacts erythropoiesis and the broader implications of immune responses on disease outcomes in vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women and young children in sub-Saharan Africa. Her collaborations include work with Dr. Philippe Gros on genetic susceptibility to malaria, employing advanced techniques such as whole genome scanning and cDNA microarray profiling. The insights gained from her research contribute significantly to the development of effective vaccine strategies against malaria.

Research Interests