IDCRC Investigator Profile: Daniel Graciaa MD, MPH, MSc

The IDCRC Clinical Operations Unit (COU) is pleased to welcome Daniel Graciaa, MD, MPH, MSc, who is an assistant professor in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Emory University. His work with the Emory VTEU is focused on clinical and translation research on vaccines for influenza, tuberculosis, and COVID-19. Dr. Graciaa will work alongside Robert Atmar, MD and Mary Healy, MD, the co-directors of the COU, providing day-to-day operation support, management, and oversight for IDCRC trials during protocol development and implementation.

“We are excited to have Daniel join us in the COU.  His enthusiasm for the mission is refreshing, and I look forward to working with him as we support the many ongoing and future IDCRC studies,” says Robert Atmar, MD.

Briefly describe your background in infectious disease research, including any past work on IDCRC studies.

During infectious diseases fellowship training, my research activities were focused on the clinical epidemiology of Tuberculosis (TB). However, I have always been interested in vaccines and clinical trials, and COVID provided the opportunity to contribute to clinical and translational research with the mentorship of Nadine Rouphael, MD, the Emory VTEU PI. My first IDCRC study was the COVE phase 3 efficacy study of mRNA-1273. Since then, I have been privileged to work with the team at the Emory VTEU and Hope Clinic of the Emory Vaccine Center on multiple IDCRC studies. The COVAIL trial, in particular, has been a tremendous learning experience as an early career investigator. I also serve on the Emerging Infections Expert Working Group.

Of these trials, what has been the most impactful or highlight of the work?

The experience with both trials has been unique and humbling. Mix-and-Match came at the right time; we needed an answer, and this trial was able to provide that in real-time. Conducting this trial involved a lot of passion, institutional and community support, and interest from the participants. Not to mention the wonderful team, and phenomenal study PIs, Kirsten Lyke, MD, member, IDCRC Malaria/Tropical Diseases Expert Working Group, and Robert Atmar, MD, IDCRC Clinical Operations Unit co-director, Expert Working Groups Liaison.

 COVAIL has been a wonderful study in different ways, it has taught me much as a junior faculty and PI. I am humbled by the support that I have received from my own institution, my mentors, the wonderful study PIs, Angela Branche, MD, and Nadine Rouphael, MD, and the IDCRC – NIH interphase. I continue to be impressed by the level of precision and high quality that these trials are striving for, benefiting the public, participants, and people in science like us.  

What is a strength or example of the importance of the IDCRC?

A key strength of the IDCRC is the emphasis on mentorship and development of early career investigators including the Mentorship Program, the Pilot Grants Program, and opportunities to be involved in clinical research. The importance of the network is evident in the impactful clinical trials providing evidence and interventions to address critical infectious disease problems with a timely and coordinated response. 

Describe the importance of the VTEUS.

The VTEUs are essential for conducting clinical trials to provide evidence for the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases, leveraging multiple sites and expert investigators. The VTEUs and their dedicated staff connect with the communities impacted by the research while training the next generation of investigators, coordinators, and staff.

What are you looking forward to in your new role?

I am honored to join the IDCRC COU and am looking forward to working with Dr. Robert Atmar, Dr. Mary Healy, the COU and Leadership Group, and VTEU sites and staff to support the success of the IDCRC.