Joseph Fraietta Microbiology and Immunology Graduate Program B.S., Bioscience and Biotechnology, Drexel University Email: joseph.a.fraietta@drexel.edu Status: 1st Year Ph.D. Student

Background and Interests:

I received my Bachelor’s degree in Bioscience and Biotechnology from Drexel University College of Arts and Sciences. During my tenure at Drexel, I was extremely fortunate to have met Dr. Mary K. Howett under whom I first began doing research in the discipline of virology. My work focused on the characterization and development of edible plant derivatives and alkyl sulfates as topical microbicides that can be used to prevent or significantly reduce the spread of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and other sexually transmitted diseases. While with the Howett group, I was also active in an effort to establish an in vivo model to test the use of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), a common ingredient found in personal care products, as an agent that can be added to breast milk to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV-1. The knowledge that my work would aid in ameliorating some of the most insidious and devastating contemporary public health concerns strengthened my desire to pursue a graduate degree in the field of biomedical research. At present, I am enthusiastic about continuing my education at Drexel University College of Medicine. The time that I will spend as a graduate student in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology will allow me to acquire the knowledge and expertise necessary to hone my skills as scientist. As they say, “…there are no slow viruses, only slow virologists.” With this in mind, I welcome the opportunity to master the technologies that can be applied to the treatment and prevention of viral infections.