Biologist Luiz Gustavo Gardinassi studies infection tolerance, a curious phenomenon where people who contract malaria a second time experience a milder version of the disease. Gardinassi’s central hypothesis is that the intestinal microbiome, the complex network of microorganisms that live in our digestive tract, plays a role in infection tolerance.

Born and raised in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, Gardinassi holds a Ph.D. in immunology from the University of São Paulo, a master’s degree in microbiology from São Paulo State University, and a bachelor’s degree from the same institution. Using his computational skills, the biologist brings modern biology to traditional bench science.

In addition to his dedication to the intestinal biome, the scientist spends time with his partner watching comedies and taking care of their dog, Cacau. He enjoys good music, especially rock, hip-hop, jazz, and samba.