Maria Elena Bottazzi, PhD, is a Honduran-American microbiologist and vaccinologist. Born in Italy and raised in Honduras, she earned her PhD in molecular immunology and experimental pathology from the University of Florida. The major focus of her research has been the development of vaccines for neglected tropical diseases, including hookworm, schistosomiasis, Chagas disease, and leishmaniasis. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she and her collaborators developed Corbevax, a protein-based COVID-19 vaccine whose technology was made available without patent restrictions to expand global access. Bottazzi has received numerous honors for her scientific and humanitarian contributions, including election of the National Academy of Medicine.
