Mark D. Hicar MD, PhD, FPIDS, FIDSA

Mark Hicar

Mark D. Hicar
MD, PhD, FPIDS, FIDSA

Associate Professor; Interim Chief, Pediatric Infectious Diseases; Program Director, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Fellowship

Department of Pediatrics

Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences


Specialty/Research Focus

Immunology; Infectious Disease; Kawasaki Disease; Monoclonal Antibodies; Pediatric Infectious Diseases; Pediatrics; Retroviruses; Vaccine Development

Contact Information
UBMD Pediatrics
Division of Infectious Diseases
1001 Main Street
Buffalo, New York 14203
Phone: (716) 323-0150
Fax: (716) 323-0296
markhica@buffalo.edu


Patient Care

This faculty member is affiliated with UBMD, practicing physicians who are also professors in the Jacobs School.

View this physician on UBMD


Professional Summary:

My lab currently focuses B cell responses during inflammation with current main projects focusing on HIV and Kawasaki disease.

Currently, the HIV field is in desperate need for greater knowledge regarding the mechanisms involved in induction of neutralizing antibodies and mucosal immune responses against HIV. I have characterized a collection of human antibodies that target structural epitopes on the Envelope protein of HIV. Current work is being pursued to define the targets of these antibodies and to assess if they can recognize cutting edge HIV vaccine candidates. Designing improved immunogens that elicit enhanced antibody activity from vaccination is the overall goal of my HIV research.

Kawasaki Disease (KD) is an inflammatory disorder of children that can lead to dire consequences. KD is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children and primarily affects children under 5 years of age. However, the cause remains unknown. Some groups have shown indications that B cell responses target a specific entity. My work focuses on characterizing how KD presents in Western New York and explores a role for specific B cell responses in the pathogenesis of this mysterious disease.

In my career I hope to become an accomplished physician-scientist who significantly impacts both the fields of lymphocyte development and HIV infection. Mucosal immune responses are of particular interest since they are so vital in the first line of defense in HIV and most other viral infections.

Education and Training:

  • Fellowship, Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine (2009)
  • Residency, Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine (2005)
  • Internship, Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine (2003)
  • MD, Medicine, Ohio State University College of Medicine (2002)
  • PhD, Molecular Virology, Immunology and Medical Genetics, Ohio State University College of Medicine (2002)
  • BA, Biology, University of Chicago (1993)

Employment:

  • Medical Staff, Erie County Department of Health (2018-present)
  • Fellowship Director, Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Pediatrics, University at Buffalo (2016-present)
  • Associate Professor, Pediatrics, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (2020-present)
  • Adjunct Faculty, University of Rochester Center for AIDS Research (2016-present)
  • Attending Physician, Infectious Diseases, Oishei Children's Hospital (2012-present)
  • Assistant Professor, Pediatrics, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (2017–2020)
  • Research Assistant Professor, Pediatrics, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (2015–2017)
  • Assistant Professor, Pediatrics, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (2012–2015)
  • Clinical Instructor, Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine (2009–2012)
  • Clinical Instructor, Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine (2006–2007)

Awards and Honors:

  • Fellow (2022)
  • Fellow of Infectious Diseases Society of America (FIDSA) (2021)
  • Buffalo Spree Magazine: Top Doctors in Western New York (2017-present) (2021)
  • Castle Connolly: Regional Top Doctors (2017-present) (2021)
  • University at Buffalo: Faculty Expert (2018)
  • University at Buffalo: Graduate Full Faculty Membership (2018)
  • Infectious Diseases Society of America: ERF/NFID Wyeth Young Investigator Award in Vaccine Development (2009-2011) (2009)
  • Human Antibodies International Journal: 14th Annual International Conference on Human Antibodies and Hybridomas (Invited Speaker) (2008)
  • Pediatric Academic Societies: Travel Award (2008)
  • Keystone Conference: HIV Pathogenesis Travel Award (2008)
  • American Association of Immunologists: Travel Award (2007)
  • National Institutes of Health: Loan Repayment Award (2006-2012) (2006)
  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society and St. Jude Fellowship in Basic Research (2006-2009) (2006)
  • Vanderbilt Pediatric House Staff: David Karzon Research Award (2005)
  • Ohio State University: Medical Scientist Fellowship (1998-2002) (1998)
  • Ohio State University: Landacre Day - 1st Place Poster Presentation (1998)
  • Ohio State University: Medical Microbiology and Immunology Teaching Assistantship (1997)
  • Ohio State University: Molecular Life Sciences Fellowship (1996)
  • Ohio State University: Roessler Fellowship (1996)
  • Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society (1989)
  • University of Chicago: National Merit Scholar (1989)

Research Expertise:

  • Antibody and B cell responses during childhood, including Kawasaki disease: We are sequencing antibodies from children with infections, Kawasaki disease, and MIS-C to explore commonalities in immune response.
  • COVID-19 related multisystem inflammatory syndrome of childhood (MIS-C): Current studies focus on antibody responses in collected plasma and PBMCs. We have multiple sites of collaboration using these samples.
  • Development of HIV vaccine to novel conformational epitope.: We have described a novel conformational epitope, recognized by antibody 2C6, that is formed on a number of clades, and can be targeted by antibodies with antibody dependent cell cytotoxicity. We are currently designing vaccine constructs to induce antibodies to this target.
  • Epidemiology of Kawasaki disease: We have described the local patterns of Kawasaki disease in the Western New York region.
  • HIV antibody responses: Our lab is exploring immune responses to a number of conformational epitopes in Long-term non-progressors to inform on improved vaccine designs.

Research Centers:

  • Clinical and Translational Research Center (CTRC)

UB 2020 Strategic Strengths:

  • Health and Wellness Across the Lifespan
  • Molecular Recognition in Biological Systems and Bioinformatics

Grants and Sponsored Research:

  • August 2022–July 2025
    Using B cell responses to discover the etiology of Kawasaki disease
    American Heart Association
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $300,000
  • January 2022–June 2023
    Use of shared antibody responses amongst Alzheimer's Disease patients to reveal an infectious disease etiology
    IDSA
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $100,000
  • May 2022–April 2023
    Assessing the role of humoral immunity during Kawasaki Disease
    Wildermuth Foundation
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $25,000
  • January 2021–December 2021
    Mapping of Antibodies Derived from Plasmablasts during Kawasaki Disease
    Wildermuth Memorial Foundation
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $25,000
  • February 2016–January 2021
    The Role of Non-Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies Targeting gp41 Structural Epitopes in Long-Term Nonprogression of HIV Infection
    National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $1,956,865
  • May 2020–August 2020
    Comparing the COVID-19 antibody response of adults and children
    SUNY Research and Economic Development
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $7,500
  • May 2019–April 2020
    Defining the Epitopes of Anti-Kawasaki Disease Antibodies Identified from Circulating Plasmablasts During Kawasaki Disease
    Wildermuth Foundation
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $25,000
  • January 2016–December 2017
    A His-Tag Binding Membrane System for Generating Neutralizing GP41 MPER Antibodies
    National Institutes of Health
    Role: Co-Investigator
    $198,284
  • May 2016–April 2017
    Identifying Targets of Antibodies Cloned from Children Presenting with Acute Kawasaki Disease (KD)
    Wildermuth Foundation
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $25,000
  • May 2014–April 2015
    Antibody and B-Cell Characterization During Acute Kawasaki Disease
    Wildermuth Foundation
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $23,000
  • August 2009–August 2014
    Antibodies Recognizing Quaternary Differences in HIV Envelope Glycoproteins
    National Institutes of Health
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $591,500
  • July 2012–July 2014
    Antibodies Recognizing Quaternary Differences in HIV Envelope Glycoproteins (K08)
    National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $283,925
  • January 2013–December 2013
    CMV Pilot Grant Proposal
    Stone Goode Trust
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $42,000
  • June 2006–June 2013
    NIH Loan Repayment Program
    National Institutes of Health
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $146,411
  • January 2009–January 2011
    Trimer-Specific Antibodies Influence HIV Envelope Diversity
    IDSA ERF/NFID
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $60,000
  • July 2006–June 2009
    Role of Antibody Repertoire Restriction in HIV-1 Neutralization
    Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society/St. Jude Children‘s Research Hospital Fellowship Program in Basic Research
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $270,000
See all (6 more)

Journal Articles:

See all (27 more)

Evaluative Studies and Case Reports:

  • Croix M, Schwarz CH, Breuer RK, Hassinger AB, Chadha K, Hicar MD. (2019) Actinomyces Naeslundii and Aggregatibacter Aphrophilus Brain Abscess in an Adolescent. Arch Clin Med Case Rep (Nov), 3(6): 409-413.
  • Aldinger J, Hicar MD, Gómez OG, Callanan V, Pierce DL, Islam SM. (2019) A Young Child with Recalcitrant Rhinorrhea. Pediatr Infect Dis J (Feb), 38(2): 214-214.
  • Murphy C, Islam SM, Lyons K, Thomas R, Hicar MD. (2018) A Toddler With Subacute Shoulder Immobility. Clin Infect Dis (Nov), 67(12): 1951-1953.

Professional Memberships:

  • American Heart Association (2020–present)
  • American Society for Microbiology (2019–present)
  • American Association of Immunologists (2018–present)
  • Society for Pediatric Research (2015–present)
  • American Academy of Pediatrics (2014–2015)
  • Buffalo Pediatric Society (2012–present)
  • Infectious Diseases Society of America (2011–present)
  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society (2011–present)

Presentations:

  • "Kawasaki disease: What can the B cells tell us?" Cleveland Clinic Pediatric Infectious Diseases Conference (2022)
  • "Pfizer asks FDA for emergency authorization in kids under 5" Local News WGRZ interview (2022)
  • "We are still MISC-ing something. Update on MISC and COVID-19." UB Pediatric Grand Rounds (2022)
  • "Health officials warn of potential measles outbreak, encourage parents to get children vaccinated, Channel 4, WIVB." WIVB television interview (2021)
  • "Dr. Hicar on vaccine for kids." WIVB television interview (2021)
  • "Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Mark Hicar talks COVID vaccine for kids" WIVB television interview (2021)
  • "Erie County Leaders: Rise in COVID-19 Cases Being Driven by Younger People" Media Interview; Spectrum News (2021)
  • "Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine could be approved for kids as young as 12 by; local pediatric experts weigh the risks and the benefits" WIVB television interview (2021)
  • "Some WNY families approach holiday weekend with caution" Media Interview; WIVB Channel 4 News (2021)
  • "Here’s How Many People Actually Die From the Flu Each Year, According to Doctors" Media Interview; Prevention (2021)
  • "MIS-C cases rise among children in the US" Media Interview; WGRZ Channel 2 News (2021)
  • "No, Recovering From a Cold Won’t Protect You From COVID-19" Media Interview; Verywell Health (2021)
  • "2020 Infectious Diseases: The Expected and Unexpected" Pediatric Grand Rounds; University at Buffalo (2020)
  • "Cuomo on MIS-C: 'The more you look for it, the more you find it'" Media Interview; WKBW Channel 7 News (2020)
  • "COVID-19 Pediatric Inflammatory Disease" Mini Grand Rounds: COVID-19 Series; Kaleida Health (2020)
  • "Why does COVID-19 kill some adults but barely affect children? UB study aims to find out" Media Interview; WBFO/HealthNewsDigest/Medical Xpress (2020)
  • "Clinical Correlations of Autoantibodies Against Heat Shock Cognate 71 kDa Protein in Patients with Juvenile Dermatomyositis" Annual Meeting; American College of Rheumatology (2019)
  • "Cloning Antibodies Against Kawasaki Disease from Acute Plasmablast Responses" ID Week; Infectious Diseases Society of America (2019)
  • "Doctors: Get your flu shot ASAP" Media Interview; WKBW Channel 7 News (2019)
  • "When an (Anti)body Catch a Body…Clinical Update and Current Studies on B Cells and Antibodies in Kawasaki Disease" Pediatric Grand Rounds; University at Buffalo (2019)
  • "UBMD Pediatrics: Pediatric Infectious Diseases" Media Interview; WGRZ; WNY Living (2019)
  • "Clonal Expansion within Circulating Plasmblast Populations Lends Support for an Infectious Disease Etiology of Kawasaki Disease" Annual Meeting; American Association of Immunologists (2019)
  • "Clonal Expansion within Circulating Plasmblast Populations Lends Support for an Infectious Disease Etiology of Kawasaki Disease" Annual Meeting; Pediatric Academic Societies; Infectious Diseases II (2019)
  • "Experts Baffled by Rise of Mysterious Polio-Like Disease in Children" Media Interview; Healthline Online Journal (2019)
  • "Clonal Expansion within Circulating Plasmblast Populations Lends Support for an Infectious Disease Etiology of Kawasaki Disease" Annual Conference; Eastern Society for Pediatric Research (2019)
  • "Clonal Expansion within Circulating Plasmblast Populations Lends Support for an Infectious Disease Etiology of Kawasaki Disease" Controversies in Rheumatology and Autoimmunity (2019)
  • "Clonal Expansion within Circulating Plasmblast Populations Lends Support for an Infectious Disease Etiology of Kawasaki Disease" Keystone Symposia on Molecular and Cellular Biology; BioLegend, Inc.; Molecular Approaches to Vaccines and Immune Monitoring (J5)/B Cell-T Cell Interactions (J6) (2019)
  • "When an Antibody Meets a Body Coming Through the Rye" Pediatric Research Conference; University at Buffalo (2019)
  • "'Poliolike' Childhood Muscle-Weakening Disease Reappears" Media Interview; Scientific American (2018)
  • "CDC: Mysterious paralyzing illness reported in 22 states" Media Interview; Fox 5 New York (2018)
  • "Local boy probable to have rare illness similar to polio" Media Interview; WBFO (2018)
  • "Suspected Acute flaccid myelitis case at Oishei Children's Hospital" Media Interview; WGRZ Channel 2 News (2018)
  • "What you need to know about polio-like disease sickening children" Media Interview; Buffalo News (2018)
  • "Spatiotemporal Patterning of Kawasaki Disease Cases in Western New York" 12th International Kawasaki Disease Symposium; Kitasato University School of Medicine/Toho University Ohashi Medical Center (2018)
  • "Suppressed Plasmablast Responses in Febrile Infants, Including Children with Kawasaki Disease" 12th International Kawasaki Disease Symposium; Kitasato University School of Medicine/Toho University Ohashi Medical Center (2018)
  • "Functional Characterization and Epitope Mapping of the Structural Epitope Targeting Anti-HIV Antibody 2C6" Annual Meeting; Pediatric Academic Societies; ID II (2018)
  • "Spatiotemporal Patterning of Kawasaki Disease Cases in Western New York" Annual Meeting; Pediatric Academic Societies; ID: Miscellaneous (2018)
  • "Suppressed Plasmablast Responses in Febrile Infants, Including Children with Kawasaki Disease" Annual Meeting; American Association of Immunologists (2018)
  • "Suppressed Plasmablast Responses in Febrile Infants, Including Children with Kawasaki Disease" Annual Meeting; Pediatric Academic Societies; ID: Immune Functions and Vaccines (2018)
  • "Suppressed Plasmablast Responses in Febrile Infants, Including Children with Kawasaki Disease" Annual Conference; Eastern Society for Pediatric Research (2018)
  • "Epitope Mapping of the Anti-HIV Antibody 2C6 Using Comprehensive Mutation Libraries for HIV gp160 and Synthetic Peptides" World AIDS Day Meeting; University of Rochester Center for AIDS Research (2017)
  • "B Cell Subsets Support an Infectious Disease Etiology of Kawasaki Disease" 20th Annual Upstate New York Immunology Conference; American Association of Immunologists (2017)
  • "Fungal Infections" Pediatric Resident Lecture Series; Women and Children‘s Hospital of Buffalo (2017)
  • "Tick-Borne and Rickettsial Illness" Pediatric Resident Lecture Series; Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo (2017)
  • "B Cell Subsets Support an Infectious Disease Etiology of Kawasaki Disease" Annual Meeting; Pediatric Academic Societies (2017)
  • "Influence of Distance to Treatment Center on Rates of Kawasaki Disease in Western New York" Annual Meeting; Pediatric Academic Societies (2017)
  • "Monoclonal Antibodies to Structural gp41 Epitopes" HIV Broadly Neutralizing Monoclonal Antibodies Working Group; University at Buffalo (2017)
  • "Roundtable on Resident Career Paths" Pediatric Resident Lecture; Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo (2017)
  • "Antibodies Targeting Structural Epitopes on gp41 as a Potential Inherent Resistance Mechanism to HIV Fusion Inhibitors" World AIDS Day Meeting; University of Rochester Center for AIDS Research (2016)
  • "Steroid Use in Early Kawasaki Disease" Infectious Diseases Journal Club; University at Buffalo (2016)
  • "Common Pediatric Exanthems" Pediatric Resident Lecture Series; Women and Children‘s Hospital of Buffalo (2016)
  • "Diarrheal Illness" Pediatric Resident Lecture Series; Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo (2016)
  • "Encephalitis and Meningitis" Pediatric Resident Lecture Series; Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo (2016)
  • "Studying Humoral Immunity in HIV and Kawasaki Disease" Research Seminar Series; University at Buffalo Clinical and Translational Research Center (2016)
  • "Endemic Measles Has Officially Been Eradicated from the Americas" Media Interview; Self Magazine (2016)
  • "Zika Virus Biology and Testing" Pediatric Grand Rounds; University at Buffalo (2016)
  • "Why Can It Take So Long to Get a Lyme Disease Diagnosis?" Media Interview; Self Magazine (2016)
  • "IL-21 Levels Do Not Distinguish Children Presenting with Kawasaki Disease from Other Febrile Children" Annual Meeting; Pediatric Academic Societies (2016)
  • "Influenza, Respiratory Infections and Diarrheal Illness" Infectious Disease Epidemiology Course; Daemen College (2016)
  • "Kawasaki Cases in Western New York" Research Scholars Day; University at Buffalo (2016)
  • "Schumer Urges Approval of Funding to Prevent Zika" Media Interview; Buffalo News (2016)
  • "Zika Emergency Funding" Media Interview; WBFO; Press Conference with Senator Charles Schumer (2016)
  • "Zika Funding" Media Interview; Buffalo News (2016)
  • "Bartonella, Capnocytophaga" Infectious Diseases Case Conference; University at Buffalo (2016)
  • "IL-21 Levels Do Not Distinguish Children Presenting with Kawasaki Disease from Other Febrile Children" Annual Conference; Eastern Society for Pediatric Research (2016)
  • "MRSA Rhabdomyolisis" Infectious Diseases Case Conference; University at Buffalo (2016)
  • "Coxsackivirus Pleurodynia" Infectious Diseases Case Conference; University at Buffalo (2015)
  • "Update on Kawasaki Research" Infectious Diseases Case Conference; University at Buffalo (2015)
  • "Evaluation of B Cell Populations as Correlative Markers in Kawasaki Disease" ID Week; Infectious Disease Society of America (2015)
  • "Highlights of ID Week" Infectious Diseases Case Conference; University at Buffalo (2015)
  • "Antibodies Targeting Structural Epitopes on gp41 as a Potential Inherent Resistance Mechanism to HIV Fusion Inhibitors" Annual Meeting; Pediatric Academic Societies (2015)
  • "Cardiac Related Infections" Pediatric Resident Lecture Series; Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo (2015)
  • "Coxsackie Presenting Like Kawasaki with Cholangitis" Infectious Diseases Case Conference; University at Buffalo (2015)
  • "Eikenella Knee Septic Arthritis After Self-Bite" Infectious Diseases Case Conference; University at Buffalo (2015)
  • "Infectious Diseases Update" Pediatric Grand Rounds; University at Buffalo (2015)
  • "Muscle, Bone and Joint Infections" Pediatric Resident Lecture Series; Women and Children‘s Hospital of Buffalo (2015)
  • "Paragonimus Westermani Infection Masking as Recalcitrant Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis" Annual Meeting; Pediatric Academic Societies (2015)
  • "Anti-Trimer Antibodies: Marker of HIV Non-Progression" Dr. Daniel Schwartz‘s Lab Meeting; University at Buffalo (2015)
  • "Antibodies Targeting Structural Epitopes on gp41 as a Potential Inherent Resistance Mechanism to HIV Fusion Inhibitors" Annual Conference; Eastern Society for Pediatric Research (2015)
  • "Bactrim vs. Clindamycin in Cellulitis/Abscess" Infectious Diseases Journal Club; University at Buffalo (2015)
  • "Paragonimus Westermani Infection Masking as Recalcitrant Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis" Annual Conference; Eastern Society for Pediatric Research (2015)
  • "Measles Lessons: UB Medical Faculty Tweak How They Teach" Media Interview; University at Buffalo (2015)
  • "Development of a Next-Generation Sequencing Protocol to Investigate Antibody Repertoire of Kawasaki Disease Patients" Medical Student Research Forum; University at Buffalo (2015)
  • "Antibodies to Conformational Epitopes Interfere with T20 Fusion Inhibition" ID Week; Infectious Disease Society of America (2014)
  • "Infectious Diseases Update" Pediatric Grand Rounds; University at Buffalo (2014)
  • "Viral Isolates" Pediatric Grand Rounds; University at Buffalo (2014)
  • "Cat Scratch Encephalopathy" Infectious Diseases Case Conference; University at Buffalo (2014)
  • "Development of Anti-HIV Antibody Production and Functional Assay Screening" Medical Student Research Forum; University at Buffalo (2014)
  • "Characterization of an Immunodominant Quaternary Epitope Reveals Differential Antigenic Presentation of HIV Envelope Trimers" Biotechnology Conference: Harnessing Immunity to Prevent and Treat Disease; Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (2013)
  • "Congenital Infections" Pediatric Resident Lecture Series; Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo (2013)
  • "Kawasaki Disease" Pediatric Resident Lecture Series; Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo (2013)
  • "Osteomyelitis" Pediatric Resident Lecture Series; Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo (2013)
  • "Primary Tuberculosis Meningitis" QA Conference; Women and Children‘s Hospital of Buffalo (2013)
  • "An Update on Potential Respiratory Virus Battleships" Pediatric Grand Rounds; University at Buffalo (2013)
  • "Revised AAP Acute Otitis Media Guidelines" Pediatric Grand Rounds; University at Buffalo (2013)
  • "Immune Mechanisms Affecting Antibody Responses in CMV" Pediatric Research Conference; University at Buffalo (2013)
  • "Chronic Osteomyelitis with Secondary Neutropenia and Appendicitis" QA Conference; Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo (2013)
  • "HIV Cure in Infant" Media Interview; WKBW Channel 7 News (2013)
  • "HIV Cure in Infant" In the News; University at Buffalo (2013)
  • "Liver and Spleen Cat-Scratch Disease" Infectious Diseases Case Conference; University at Buffalo (2013)
  • "Orbital Pseudotumor" Infectious Diseases Case Conference; University at Buffalo (2013)
  • "Systemic JIA Rash" Infectious Diseases Case Conference; University at Buffalo (2013)
  • "Update on Kawasaki Disease" Pediatric Grand Rounds; University at Buffalo (2013)
  • "Contaminated Methylprednisone" Infectious Diseases Journal Review; University at Buffalo (2012)
  • "E. Faecium Bact/abd Abscess" Infectious Diseases Case Conference; University at Buffalo (2012)
  • "IV Infiltrate" Infectious Diseases Case Conference; University at Buffalo (2012)
  • "LCMV Retinitis" Infectious Diseases Case Conference; University at Buffalo (2012)
  • "Strep Urinary Antigen Tests" Infectious Diseases Case Conference; University at Buffalo (2012)
  • "Fungal Methylpred" Infectious Diseases Journal Club Conference; University at Buffalo (2012)
  • "S. aureus in Pharyngeal Abscesses" Infectious Diseases Journal Club Conference; University at Buffalo (2012)
  • "Common Pediatric Exanthems" Pediatric Resident Lecture Series; Women and Children‘s Hospital of Buffalo (2012)
  • "Diarrheal Illness" Pediatric Resident Lecture Series; Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo (2012)
  • "Encephalitis and Meningitis" Pediatric Resident Lecture Series; Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo (2012)
  • "HIV Envelope Trimerization Strategy Influences Differential Presentation of Highly Immunogenic Complex Quaternary Epitopes Identified Using HIV Virus-like Particles" ID Week; Infectious Diseases Society of America/Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society (2012)
  • "B Cell Responses in Kawasaki Disease" Pediatric Infectious Diseases Proposal Review; Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo (2012)
  • "Fungal Infections" Pediatric ID Fellow Didactic Lecture Series; Vanderbilt Children‘s Hospital (2012)
  • "The Natural Trimer-specific Antibody Response Against HIV-1" Seminar; University of Minnesota Center for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Translational Research (2012)
  • "Common Pediatric Infections" VMS III Lecture Didactic Lecture Series; Vanderbilt Children‘s Hospital (2011)
  • "Common Pediatric Infections" VMS III Lecture Didactic Lecture Series; Vanderbilt Children‘s Hospital (2011)
  • "The Natural Trimer-specific Antibody Response Against HIV-1" Department of Pediatrics; University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (2011)
  • "The Natural Trimer-specific Antibody Response Against HIV-1" Department of Pediatrics; Wake Forest University (2011)
  • "The Natural Trimer-specific Antibody Response Against HIV-1" Department of Pediatrics; University at Buffalo (2011)
  • "Common Pediatric Infections" VMS III Lecture Didactic Lecture Series; Vanderbilt Children‘s Hospital (2011)
  • "The Natural Trimer-specific Antibody Response Against HIV-1" Department of Pediatrics; University of Chicago (2011)
  • "Fungal Infections" Pediatric ID Fellow Didactic Lecture Series; Vanderbilt Children‘s Hospital (2011)
  • "The Natural Trimer-specific Antibody Response Against HIV-1" Department of Pediatrics Infection and Immunity: Data Forum; University of Cincinnati (2011)
  • "Common Pediatric Infections" VMS III Lecture Didactic Lecture Series; Vanderbilt Children‘s Hospital (2011)
  • "Fungal Infections" Pediatric Resident Didactic Lecture Series; Vanderbilt Children‘s Hospital (2011)
  • "The Natural Trimer-specific Antibody Response Against HIV-1" Invited Presentation; Saban Research Institute of University of Southern California/Children‘s Hospital of Los Angeles (2010)
  • "The Natural Trimer-specific Antibody Response Against HIV-1" Microbiology and Immunology Special Seminar; Vanderbilt University (2010)
  • "The Natural Trimer-specific Antibody Response Against HIV-1" Southwestern Medical Center; University of Texas (2010)
  • "Cloning of Quaternary Specific Antibodies" AIDS Vaccine 2010; Global HIV Vaccine Enterprise/Center for AIDS Research at Emory University (2010)
  • "HIV Vaccines: An Antibody Perspective" Translational Research Seminar; University of Minnesota; Center for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology (2010)
  • "Effect of Mutation on Trimer Specificity of Anti-HIV Antibodies" Microbial Research Conference; St. Jude Children‘s Hospital/Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society (2010)
  • "Clonal Analysis of the Human B Cell Response to HIV" Rheumatology Grand Rounds; Vanderbilt University (2009)
  • "Mycoplasma Encephalitis" Pediatric Chief‘s Case Discussant; Vanderbilt Children‘s Hospital (2009)
  • "Novel Method to Generate Anti-HIV Human Monoclonal Antibodies" Microbial Research Conference; St. Jude Children‘s Hospital/Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society (2009)
  • "Novel Method to Generate Anti-HIV Human Monoclonal Antibodies" Adult ID Grand Rounds; Vanderbilt University (2009)
  • "Pediatric ID Emergencies" Pediatric ED Resident Educational Conference; Vanderbilt Children‘s Hospital (2009)
  • "Antibody-mediated Neutralization of HIV-1" Pediatric Infectious Diseases Lecture Series; Vanderbilt University (2008)
  • "Novel Method to Generate Anti-HIV Human Monoclonal Antibodies" 14th Annual International Conference on Human Antibodies and Hybridomas; International Journal Human Antibodies (2008)
  • "Chronic Granulomatous Disease" Pediatric Chief's Case Discussant; Vanderbuilt Children's Hospital (2008)
  • "Novel Method to Generate Anti-HIV Human Monoclonal Antibodies" Annual Meeting; Pediatric Academic Societies/Society for Pediatric Research (2008)
  • "Novel Method to Generate Anti-HIV Human Monoclonal Antibodies" Research in Progress Seminar; Vanderbuilt University; Microbiology and Immunology Department (2008)
  • "Novel Method to Generate Anti-HIV Human Monoclonal Antibodies" Microbial Research Conference; St. Jude Children's Hospital/Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society (2008)
  • "Novel Method to Generate Anti-HIV Human Monoclonal Antibodies" HIV Pathogenesis Keystone Conference; Keystone Symposia on Molecular and Cellular Biology (2008)
  • "Cat-Scratch Fever" Pediatric Chief‘s Case Discussant; Vanderbilt Children‘s Hospital (2007)
  • "Acute Hematogenous Osteomyelitis" Pediatric Chief‘s Case Discussant; Vanderbilt Children‘s Hospital (2006)
  • "Acute Rheumatic Fever" Pediatric Chief‘s Case Discussant; Vanderbilt Children‘s Hospital (2005)
  • "Developmental Immunity of HIV" Pediatric Grand Rounds; Vanderbilt Children‘s Hospital (2005)
  • "Binding of Antibodies Generated in Human gp120 HIV Vaccine Trials to Particle-associated gp120 Trimers" Annual Meeting; Pediatric Academic Societies/Society for Pediatric Research (2004)
  • "The Characterization of Human KRC and Analysis of the Developmental Role of KRC in teh Thymus and Neural Tissue" Dissertation Defense; Ohio State University (2002)
  • "Developmental Expression of the Recognition Signal Sequence Binding Protein KRC is Consistent with Involvement in Regulating V(D)J Recombination" 15th Annual National Medical Scientist Training Programs; National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) (2000)
  • "Developmental Expression of the Recognition Signal Sequence Binding Protein KRC is Consistent with Involvement in Regulating V(D)J Recombination" Immunology 2000; Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB)/American Association of Immunologists (AAI) (2000)
  • "Expression of KRC is Consistent with a Role in V(D)J Recombination" MVIMG Student Colloquium; Ohio State University (2000)
  • "Developmental Expression of KRC" Comprehensive Cancer Center Retreat; Ohio State University (2000)
  • "Developmental Expression of the Recognition Signal Sequence Binding Protein KRC is Consistent with Involvement in Regulating V(D)J Recombination" Keystone T-cell Development Conference; Keystone Symposia on Molecular and Cellular Biology (2000)
  • "Characterization of Human KRC Gene" Bennett Day; Ohio State University (1998)
  • "Characterization of Human KRC Gene" Landacre Day; Ohio State University (1998)
  • "The Human KRC Gene and Its Products" Graduate Research Forum; Ohio State University (1998)
  • "The Human KRC Gene" Stone Labs Meeting; Ohio State University (1997)
  • "Health Care in Romania: Is It True What They Say?" International Health Luncheon Series; Children's Hospital (1995)
  • "Covid & Children." WIVB television interview
See all (153 more)

Service Activities:

  • “Brain Bootcamp” speaker; discussed career with ~20 high school students, Jacobs Institute, Buffalo, NY.; Invited Speaker (2022)
  • President (2 year term) of American Society of Microbiology of Western New York Branch, Buffalo, NY; President (2022–2024)
  • Poster judge for Anniversary JSMBS Research Day: A Celebration of Scholarship; poster judge (2022)
  • Tenure committee for Jacobs School of Medicine; member (2021–present)
  • B cell biology, Frontiers in Immunology; Assistant Editor (2021–2022)
  • UB JSMBS Day of Service with first year medical students; Attendee (2021)
  • July 29, 2021 Special Emphasis Panel/Scientific Review Group 2021/10 ZAI1 JBS-A (S1) meeting.; Reviewer (2021)
  • International Kawasaki Disease Registry. Contribute to REDCAP database on cases of Kawasaki disease and Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children; Contributor (2020–2023)
  • Ad hoc tenure committee; Member (2020–present)
  • President-elect of the American Society of Microbiology of Western New York Branch, Buffalo, NY; President-elect (2020–2022)
  • T35 Training the Next Generation of Physician Scientists- mentor; mentor (2020–present)
  • JSMBS Annual Medical Student Research Forum poster session judge; poster judge (2020)
  • CSTEP Connect- shadowing program; mentor (2020–present)
  • Summer Pediatrics Internship in Research is a 10 week summer program for rising 2nd year medical students. https://medicine.buffalo.edu/departments/pediatrics/education/medical-student/research/summer-pediatric-internship.html; Organizer (2020–present)
  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society: Research Affairs Committee; Committee Member (2019–2022)
  • International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health; Ad Hoc Reviewer (2019–present)
  • Nature Communications; Ad Hoc Reviewer (2019–present)
  • Journal of Clinical Medicine (MDPI); Ad Hoc Reviewer (2019–present)
  • National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases: AIDS Immunology and Pathogenesis Meeting; Grant Reviewer (2019)
  • Eastern Society for Pediatric Research: Annual Conference Poster Competition; Judge (2019)
  • University at Buffalo Center for AIDS Research: Leadership Team; Member (2019)
  • Eastern Society for Pediatric Research: Annual Conference Abstracts; Reviewer (2019)
  • University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences: Pediatric Program Site Visit Independent Faculty Input Committee; Committee Member (2018–2019)
  • University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Council; Member (2018–2021)
  • National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases: HIV Vaccine Research and Development Design Funding Opportunity; Grant Reviewer (2018)
  • Easter Society of Pediatric Research: Annual Conference Poster Competition; Judge (2018)
  • Independent Pharmacists of Western New York Vaccination Medical Advisor; consultant (2018–2022)
  • Vaccination Medical Advisor, Independent Pharmacists of Western New York (PAWNY); Consultant (2018–2021)
  • Eastern Society for Pediatric Research: Annual Conference Abstracts; Reviewer (2018)
  • Erie County Department of Health Vaccination Medical Advisor; Consultant (2018–present)
  • Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH) Vaccination Advisor; Consultant (2018–present)
  • University at Buffalo: Global Virus Network Center for Excellence; Member (2018–present)
  • Society for Pediatric Research: Communications Committee; Co-Chair (2017–2018)
  • Pediatric Hematology and Oncology; Ad Hoc Reviewer (2017–present)
  • Journal of the International AIDS Society; Ad Hoc Reviewer (2017–present)
  • National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases: AIDS Immunology and Pathogenesis Study Section; Grant Reviewer (2017)
  • University at Buffalo Collegiate Science and Technology Program: Poster Session; Judge (2017)
  • Infection and Drug Resistance; Ad Hoc Reviewer (2017–present)
  • Maternal Health, Neonatology and Perinatology; Ad Hoc Reviewer (2017–present)
  • Pediatric Academic Societies: Meeting Abstracts; Reviewer (2017)
  • Journal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society; Ad Hoc Reviewer (2017–present)
  • University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences: Search Committee for Infectious Diseases Physician; Committee Member (2016–2017)
  • University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences: Pediatric Residency Research; Coordinator (2016–2018)
  • Society for Pediatric Research: Communications Committee; Committee Member (2015–2018)
  • University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences: CME for the Division of Infectious Diseases; Director (2015–present)
  • University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences: HIV Newborn Screen Testing Administrative Contact (2015–present)
  • University at Buffalo: Faculty Senate; Member (2015–2020)
  • University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences: Infectious Diseases Website; Coordinator (2015–present)
  • University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences: Emergency Medicine Fellowship Scholarly Oversight Committee; Committee Member (2015–present)
  • Pediatrics (Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics); Ad Hoc Reviewer (2015–present)
  • Research and Reports in Biology; Ad Hoc Reviewer (2014–present)
  • University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences: Pediatric Residency Program Candidates Interviewer (2013–present)
  • University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences: Pediatric Research Conference; Coordinator (2013–2016)
  • University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences: Faaiza Ansari Fellowship Committee; mentor, Chair 2019 (2013–2019)
  • University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences: Go Live Computer Order Set (Infectious Diseases) Developer (2013)
  • Children's Guild Foundation; Grant Reviewer (2012–present)
  • Heck Foundation; Grant Reviewer (2012–present)
  • Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal; Ad Hoc Reviewer (2011–present)
  • Vanderbilt University: Pediatric Residency Applications Interviewer (2010–2011)
  • Vanderbuilt University: Global Health Intersession Group Leader (2010)
  • Vanderbuilt University: Pediatric Infectious Disease Division Research Retreat Committee; Chair (2008)
  • Vanderbilt University: Pediatric Infectious Disease Division Head Search Committee; Committee Member (2007)
  • Acted as community physician for Madison Church of Christ of Alabama mission trip. Lima, Peru. 1 week long.; Physician (2004)

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Contact Information

UBMD Pediatrics
Division of Infectious Diseases
1001 Main Street
Buffalo, New York 14203
Phone: (716) 323-0150
Fax: (716) 323-0296
markhica@buffalo.edu

This faculty member is affiliated with UBMD, practicing physicians who are also professors in the Jacobs School.

View this physician on UBMD