My main research interests concern pathogen-host interactions, autoimmune diseases and the development of pathological processes in animals and humans. Importantly, my desire is to understand the adaptive immune response and the factors that shape its enormous diversity. During my doctoral studies, my aim is to combine both computational and laboratory-based methods in order to address these complex topics. 

The main focus of my DPhil project is to apply high-throughput sequencing to study the impact of various drivers of the adaptive immune repertoire of avian hosts. Therefore, factors such as microbial colonisation, vaccination, and infectious challenge will be evaluated in terms of their effects on the T and B cell repertoire. The outcomes of my DPhil research project will provide important information about the avian immune system, while also having the potential to guide current and future practices in the poultry sector.

Aside from my academic interests, I am involved in several activities aimed at promoting science and scientific understanding back in Romania. I have also collaborated with Romanian NGOs that focus on decreasing the burden of infectious diseases through informing the public about vaccination and other prevention and control methods.

Publications:

Ghafari M*, Hejazi B, Karshenas A, Dascalu S , Kadivar A, Khosravi MA, Abbasalipour M, Heydari M, Zeinali S, Ferretti L, Ledda A, Katzourakis A*. (2021) Lessons for preparedness and reasons for concern from the early COVID-19 epidemic in Iran. Epidemics, 36:100472. doi.org/10.1016/j.epidem.2021.100472

Dascalu S*, Geambasu O, Covaciu O, Chereches RM, Diaconu G, Dumitra GG, Gheroghita V, Popovici ED. (2021) Prospects of COVID-19 Vaccination in Romania: Challenges and Potential Solutions. Front Public Heal 9:644538. 10.3389/fpubh.2021.644538

Dascalu S*. (2020) The Successes and Failures of the Initial COVID-19 Pandemic Response in Romania. Front. Public Health 8:344. doi:10.3389/fpubh.2020.00344.

Dascalu S*. (2019) Measles Epidemics in Romania: Implications for Public Health and Future Policy. Front. Public Health 7:98. doi:10.3389/fpubh.2019.00098.