Over the past two decades, Professor Hernández-Ortiz has focused his research on developing analytical and experimental methods to enhance our understanding of complex biological systems. With a strong academic background in polymer physics, biophysics, and complex fluids, he has pioneered molecular engineering approaches aimed at designing platforms for personalized medicine. Driven by a conviction that comprehensive genome understanding is crucial for progress in precision medicine, he has expanded his research interests into immunobiology, tropical diseases, and cancer.
Dr. Hernández-Ortiz is currently the Director of the Global Health Institute (GHI) One Health Colombia, established in 2018 as part of the Colombia/Wisconsin One-Health Consortium. One Health Colombia has since been recognized as a Center of Excellence by the Global Virus Network and plays a key role in Abbott’s Pandemic Awareness Program. GHI One Health Colombia operates an advanced 800 m² BSL-2+ lab and runs fever clinics and disease-monitoring stations across Colombia, including the Eastern Plains, Pacific Coast, Urabá region, Central Mountains, and the Amazon Basin. Current research covers SARS-CoV-2, arboviruses, influenza, blood parasites, and solid tumor cancers. The Genomics One Health Lab, based on open-access principles, offers leading local capabilities in molecular biology, pathogen discovery, immunobiology, serology, and multi-omics, with state-of-the-art sequencing platforms for everything from simple virus analysis to whole human genome sequencing.
Throughout his career, Professor Hernández-Ortiz has cultivated collaborations in Colombia and the U.S., reflected in 1,110+ publications, over 3,600 citations, an h-index of 28, and the mentorship of 20+ graduate students. His team currently includes 25 graduate students and 25 scientific staff. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he co-founded VaxThera with Professor Jorge Osorio of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. This Colombian biotech company, in partnership with Grupo SURA, focuses on developing vaccines and treatments for infectious and genetic diseases, guided by the principles of “health security,” “biological accessibility,” and “pandemic awareness.”