Vet Med Faces of Research: Dr. Mayara Maggioli

Monday, November 1, 2021

Mayara Maggioli, DVM, MS, Ph.D., is a research scientist at Oklahoma State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in the Department of Veterinary Pathobiology.

She began doing research during veterinary school in 2005 and became more involved in research while working on her master’s degree in immunology and her Ph.D.

“I have a broad interest in host pathogen interactions and immunity, especially long-lived memory and how it relates to vaccinology applications,” Maggioli said. “I study a range of respiratory and immune suppressive veterinary viruses that relate to animal wellbeing and health but also may have implications to a safer food supply for humans and overall human health as well.

“What excites me about research is the work itself and the possibility of making real change for animal health. Finishing up a project, getting funded, getting published — just making progress in your research, keep studying and learning and going further and further, that’s really exciting to me.

“A good day in my research lab is a busy day when we have lots of results, hopefully positive results. Even more exciting is when the results point you in a different direction than you first thought it would.

“If you’re going into research, be prepared for some setbacks. Science, not only in my area but in general, can be very frustrating and slow paced sometimes. There’s a lot of going back and forth. So be prepared for long days but also for just the excitement of discovery and progress. It sometimes might be hard but it’s really rewarding.”

Vet Med Faces of Research is a monthly series designed to inform the public about the impact of the numerous studies being conducted at OSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Advancing knowledge and understanding for the benefit of the lives and livelihoods of the people of Oklahoma is a critical element of OSU’s land-grant mission. If you would like to support research at the college, please contact Ashley Hesser, director of development with the OSU Foundation, at 405-385-0715 or ahesser@osugiving.com.