Rachel Fernandez

Rachel Fernandez is Associate Vice-President, Research and Innovation, at the University of British Columbia, as well as a professor in UBC’s Department of Microbiology and Immunology. Her research focuses on bacterial surfaces, vaccines and the bacterium causing pertussis (whooping cough). She is interested in the molecular mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis, particularly the mechanisms that allow colonization and carriage of Bordetella pertussis. Dr Fernandez joined UBC in 1996 and has contributed to the university’s research and teaching missions in many ways, including serving two terms as Associate Dean, Postdoctoral Fellows Office in the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies from March 2014 to May 2019.