Dr. Alcaide is a physician scientist in Infectious Diseases, Professor of Medicine, OB/GYN, and Public Health Sciences, and Vice Provost for Research and Scholarship at the University of Miami. With over 20 years of experience in HIV research, her work has transformed the understanding of HIV prevention, treatment, and the myriads of comorbidities affecting both men and women in the US and across the globe.
Her pioneering research focuses in understanding the behavioral and biological mechanisms underlying HIV acquisition in women. Dr. Alcaide has brought attention to the unique challenges faced by women living with HIV throughout their reproductive lives. Her translational research has focused on the crucial role of the female reproductive tract’s microbiome and mucosal environment in HIV vulnerability, with significant findings extending from the US to Sub-Saharan Africa.
Among her most significant scientific contributions are her leadership roles in two of the nation’s largest and most impactful HIV cohort studies: the Study of Treatment And Reproductive outcomes (STAR) and the MACS/WIHS Combined Cohort Study (MWCCS). These landmark studies have provided robust platforms for high-impact translational research, advancing knowledge on HIV’s effects on reproductive health and non-HIV related comorbidities.
Dr. Alcaide’s influence extends far beyond her research. She plays a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of scientists, leading national and international mentoring initiatives. Her dedication to advancing science in the areas of women’s health, HIV, reproductive medicine, and co-infections—both domestically and globally—make her an outstanding clinician, scholar, and leader committed to fostering excellence in research and mentorship.