PC Degree(s):
AB/Biology
Honorary D.SC. Degree-1974

PC Activities: Intramural Basketball, Pre-medical honors club, Delta Epsilon Sigma, Art and Spike Shoe Clubs, Carolan Club

Career Path:  Following his graduation from Providence College, Robert Gallo became an adjunct professor of genetics at George Washington University.  In 1965, he joined the National Institute of Health, and became the head of the section on Cellular Control Mechanism/Human Tumor Cell Biology Branch at the National Cancer Institute.  From there, Gallo became a senior investigator for the Human Tumor Cell Biology Branch.  Finally, Dr. Gallo was named the Clinical Associate and Chief of the Lab of Tumor Cell Biology Experimental Therapeutics.

Dr. Gallo left the National Institute of Health to establish the Institute of Human Virology (IHV), which houses experts in basic science, clinical care, and global epidemiology. 

Through his work, Dr. Gallo co-discovered HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) that often develops into AIDS.  He also developed the blood test that permits early detection of the disease.  Gallo was the most cited scientist in the world between 1980 and 1990.

Dr. Gallo was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2004 for the discovery and indentification of HIV.

Family:  Wife Mary Jane Hayes; sons Robert and Marcus

Memorable Quotes:  "It is my dream to set up-whether in or out of government-a major institute of virology so we can bring together five or six or seven key players to make an intensive effort to beat AIDS."

"I got involved with AIDS almost as it happened, and here I still am.  We have to get rid of it.  We started the job and the job's not over."