How the brain is built and works, and to what extent it is affected by subtle genetic and environmental influences, are old questions still in need of answers. Expanding our understanding of this subject will dramatically impact the fields of learning and health.

 

   I am an Assistant Professor at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV)-Department of Health and Biomedical Sciences (BMED). As neuroscientist, I am fascinated by the cellular and molecular mechanisms controlling behavior in health and disease. The research in my lab is focused on the function of glial cells – the generic cell type occupying most of the brain mass - and their interaction with other brain cell types. We use a combination of genetic, molecular, biochemical, imaging, and bioinformatic tools to understand brain function in vivo. Our main model of study is the mouse, as it allows to mimic genetic disorders and/or recapitulate symptoms of human neurological diseases.

 

   As a proud member of the BMED department at UTRGV, I feel a strong responsibility to encourage and provoke student success. I am committed to continuously deliver the best education and share my passion for brain function and biomedical sciences in general.