I have worked as a neuroscientist, particularly in neuroendocrinology and neuroanatomy. My main goal is to understand the cerebral plasticity associated with the reproductive stages, such as pregnancy and lactation. I have extensive expertise in neuroanatomy procedures and biochemical analysis of neuropeptides. We employ the model of the lactating dam to address the question of how hormones affect the brain and behavior. We are currently investigating two main areas of research: neuroendocrine stress response in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus during lactation, and consequences of motherhood on hippocampal function and morphology, including effects of stress on pathogenicity of tau in the hippocampus of the mother. We have published work on the role of hormones of lactation in protecting the hippocampus of the female against neurotoxins.
I am also qualified to be a mentor: I have experience in tutoring students (graduates and undergraduates) in Mexico and in the US. I have participated in the MHIRT-UC Irvine Program on several occasions as a mentor. Also, I did pioneer work starting the BAW activities in Queretaro, Mexico.
Current research: Functional neuroanatomy of the hypothalamus, the role of nitric oxide in the attenuation of stress response during lactation, neuroplasticity associated with the reproduction, hippocampal neuroprotection.