Paola Di Marzio Transforms Biomedical Research into Real-World Impact
Paola Di Marzio, teaching associate professor in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, is passionate about research and discovery. Her latest and perhaps greatest discovery has been her love of teaching and mentoring the next generation of biomedical researchers.
Over the past 23 years, Di Marzio has worked to connect fundamental science with real-world healthcare impact. She earned her bachelor’s degree in biological science and doctorate in biotechnology from the State University of Rome, and her master of public health degree from Columbia University. She helped discover the cellular co-receptor (CCR5) that HIV uses to enter cells, which HIV treatments now target to block its activity.
She also worked as a scientist at Northwell Health System’s Institute for Biomedical Research. She tested telemedicine’s ability to reduce hospitalizations for people with heart failure and developed and tested an application aimed at improving treatment adherence for people living with HIV. She has trained medical students, fellows and post-docs, and earned the prestigious Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Fellowship.
Through it all, she realized that while she values pure research, she prefers practical applications. So five years ago, when a colleague at Stevens encouraged her to apply for a teaching role, she didn’t hesitate.
“I think the scientific approach is very important,” she said, “not just for science, but also to support critical thinking in real life.”
Bridging data and discovery to drive advancements in human health
That approach drives her work at Stevens. Beyond teaching, Di Marzio has created an entirely new field of study — health science research — and launched an upper-level course, Clinical Research Methodology and Design.
Unlike traditional biology or chemistry courses, which focus on molecular mechanisms and physiological processes in lab settings, her class trains students to apply that knowledge to design, analyze and interpret clinical studies.
“The idea is to show students that, as scientists, we can not only conduct biomedical benchwork,” she explained, “but we can also engage in applied research that uses AI tools to explore disease patterns, risk factors and treatment outcomes. In short, we can help drive understanding of how diseases affect people.”
To bring that human impact to life, Di Marzio obtained permission to work with the National Cancer Registry Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program database, which tracks patient characteristics, tumor characteristics and other information about cancers in the United States.
Using artificial intelligence systems such as SEERStat and Python, the students code and complete analyses to learn more about variables that may affect certain types of cancer.
For example, one analysis revealed a rise in gastric cancer across all age groups, with a sharp increase in Stage 4 diagnoses among adults aged 40 to 69. Males showed higher incidence than females, and Black and Asian/Pacific Islander populations had the highest mortality rates. Older patients diagnosed at advanced stages tended to experience longer intervals before treatment.
“These findings highlight the urgent need for earlier detection, timely treatment and improved access to healthcare to reduce disparities in cancer outcomes,” Di Marzio said.
Thinking critically today to build a better tomorrow
One of the first students to take on this challenge was Neda Milinkovic ’25, who analyzed data on colon cancer. Since earning her undergraduate degree in chemical biology, she has begun pursuing her doctor of dental surgery degree at Touro College of Dental Medicine.
“This study gave me a deeper understanding of how science and research directly impact people’s lives, and how factors like background, resources and access to care shape health outcomes,” Milinkovic said.
The project also helped her shape her own path.
“Dr. Di Marzio taught me to believe in myself and to chase my dreams with confidence and resilience,” she said, “no matter where I start or how far the journey may seem.”
Juliana Markovinovic earned her undergraduate degree in biology at Stevens in 2025 and is on track to complete her master’s in biomedical engineering in 2026 through the Accelerated Master’s Program. This year, she is expanding on her SEER studies, using large language models and data-driven methods to develop predictive tools that could improve early detection and patient outcomes.
“Working with Dr. Di Marzio has shown me what genuine passion for research looks like,” Markovinovic said. “Her mentorship has shaped how I conduct and present research and strengthened my commitment to becoming a physician who applies the same thoughtfulness and discipline to patient care.”
While not all students will pursue health sciences, Di Marzio is confident the skills they’re learning will strengthen their ability to interpret and make sense of results from data analysis.
“My goal is not only to teach what I’ve learned,” she said, “but also to help students think critically about research. Whether they continue in this field or not, these analytical skills will serve them in their work — and in their lives.”
Because this new area of public health spans research, epidemiology, business, policy and more, Di Marzio’s long-term goal is to see colleagues in business, computer science and engineering get involved.
She is already collaborating with Carlo Lipizzi, teaching associate professor from the Department of Systems Engineering, to use AI to generate predictive models about disease trends, risk factors and outcomes, and to support evidence-based decision-making in healthcare.
She is excited to continue to connect discovery and real-world solutions — preparing the next generation of scientists to improve human health.
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