University of California San Diego
Stein Clinical Research Building 
Mail Code 0679
9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093

Email: gianella@ucsd.edu
Web: http://gianella.ucsd.edu

Dr. Gianella is a leader in clinical and translational virology, dedicated to transforming the landscape of infectious disease research. As the Director of the San Diego Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) Translational Virology Core and the AIDS Clinical Trial Group (ACTG) San Diego Virology Specialty Laboratory, she plays a pivotal role in advancing innovative research and treatment strategies for HIV.

Dr. Gianella also co-directs the NeuroVirology and Biology (NVB) Core for the HIV Neurobehavioral Research Center (HNRC) and the HOPE T32 Training Program, reflecting her unwavering commitment to education and mentorship in the biomedical sciences. In her role as Mentorship Director for her division, she fosters the growth and development of emerging scientists and researchers, empowering the next generation of leaders in the field.

Driven by a profound commitment to social justice, Dr. Gianella and her team are devoted to enhancing the diversity of the biomedical workforce, enriching educational experiences, fostering scientific discovery and innovation, and addressing health disparities. She passionately conducts research involving women, transgender individuals, and other under-represented populations, striving to build public trust and maximize the positive impact of research on diverse communities.

Dr. Gianella is also deeply committed to research ethics and community engagement, ensuring that her work not only advances scientific knowledge but also aligns with the highest ethical standards and actively involves the communities affected by her research. Her approach fosters a collaborative environment where community voices are heard and integrated into the research process.

Research Interests

With a rich background in virology, molecular biology, and immunology, Dr. Gianella leverages cutting-edge laboratory techniques and rigorous analytical methods to confront the most pressing challenges in infectious diseases. Her pioneering research delves into HIV persistence across various tissues and anatomical compartments, including her pivotal involvement in the end-of-life Last Gift program. She is deeply committed to understanding HIV transmission dynamics in the genital tract, interactions with co-infecting viruses such as Cytomegalovirus, and exploring the critical roles of sex and gender in HIV pathogenesis and persistence.

Dr. Gianella’s dedication to investigating clinical complications arising from persistent immune activation underscores her mission to improve patient outcomes and advance our collective understanding of HIV. Her visionary leadership, steadfast dedication to equity and justice, and commitment to ethical research practices continue to inspire and drive meaningful progress in the fight against infectious diseases.