Peter Barbosa, PhD

Dr. Peter Barbosa was raised in Añasco, Puerto Rico, and started his undergraduate studies at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez campus. Dr. Barbosa finished his B.S. in biochemistry from Texas A&M University and completed a Ph.D. in biochemistry from Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas. His first postdoctoral fellowship was in HIV research at the Institut Pasteur in Paris. Following his relocation to San Francisco, he worked as a scientist and immunology professor specializing in HIV and AIDS.

While working at the Gladstone Institute of Virology and Immunology, the University of California Medical School (UCSF), and the California College of Podiatric Medicine (CCPM), his research was published widely. During his 17-year tenure at CCPM (later renamed CSPM), Dr. Barbosa served as a professor of many courses, including biochemistry, immunology, microbiology, and research methods. 

In August 2011, he started as a Professor of Pre-Clinical Sciences and Director of Biochemistry at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine (NYCPM) located in Harlem, New York City. During his 8-year tenure at NYCPM, he continued his research activities and received an NIH grant in collaboration with the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai to study the impact of mindfulness meditation on chronic inflammation in older HIV-positive patients.  In May 2019, he started an administrative role as Chairman of the Natural Sciences Department at Universidad del Sagrado Corazón (Sagrado) in San Juan, Puerto Rico. During his tenure at Sagrado, Dr. Barbosa led the establishment of the Center for Academic Research and the combined funding of over $8 million in federal grants. He also led the founding of the new School of Health and Sciences.

As a scientist, his primary interests involve: 1) chronic inflammation in HIV infection, 2) podiatric complications of HIV infection (focusing on plantar verrucae), and 3) ways to improve empathy & patient/provider communication among healthcare students. His commitment includes involving students in research endeavors, and his research teams are well-published. Among his scientific publications, students in his teams have served as co-authors on more than 20 occasions. His peer-reviewed publications have been cited over 1,000 times in the scientific literature. Teaching in a manner that intellectually stimulates his students is his passion as a professor. He is personable, approachable, and always available for his student’s needs. 

Dr. Barbosa currently serves as a Professor of Immunology at the American University of the Caribbean in Sint Maarten.