Neurobiological and cognitive-behavioral effects of transitional and surgical menopause on spatial learning and memory using preclinical rodent models
Developed a novel rat model of hysterectomy to investigate effects of variations in gynecological surgery on cognition
Dissertation research funded by a National Institute on Aging predoctoral NRSA (1F31AG056110)
Cognitive effects of clinically-relevant hormone therapies (including estrogens and/or progestogens) on the brain and behavior
Rat and mouse models of Alzheimer's disease
Research Inclusivity: The field customarily known as women's health is a historically understudied and critically important area of research. Chromosomal makeup as well as gonadal, gametic, and hormonal sex exist on a biological spectrum (not a binary!), as does gender identity. I strive to be inclusive of all sexes and genders in my research inquiries, with the goal to provide critical insights into understanding unique health risks and brain aging for all individuals who have or had a uterus and/or ovaries and experience reproductive hormone fluctuations across the lifespan.
Key Professional Skills: Scientific/medical communications - publications and medical affairs Data analysis and interpretation Graduate and undergraduate student mentoring Proficient in Spanish
Laboratory Techniques ELISA Western blot Rodent cognitive-behavioral analysis (specializing in water-escape mazes) Small animal care and surgery, including ovariectomy and hysterectomy Subcutaneous and intraperitoneal drug administration Rodent vaginal cytology collection and classification Rapid brain dissection