Dr. Roberto Alers-Velazquez is originally from Isabela, Puerto Rico, where he did his Bachelor’s of Science in biomedical sciences at the University of Puerto Rico-Aguadilla. Soon after, Roberto completed his Ph.D. in Molecular Biology/Virology at the University of Toledo where he implemented the use of machine learning and microscopy to understand the dynamics of Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) Inclusion Body formation. Specifically, the involvement of the CaMV P6 protein (the main component of IBs) with the host cytoskeleton. Currently, he is a postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, under the mentorship of Dr. David Leib. Roberto’s research is focused on understanding the influence that neonatal herpes simplex virus infection (nHSV) can have on a healthy, developing brain. He is in the process of establishing a novel system that will allow us to learn how modulating the inflammatory response can protect the brain from nHSV and prevent the lifelong neurobehavioral pathology of nHSV infections. On top of his research interest, Roberto has a passion for diversity and inclusion outreach and mentorship. His goal is to join an academic tenure-track job and establish his lab, where he wants to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for all students to fall in love with research.