Dr. Caesar Hernandez | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Caesar Hernandez | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award 🏆

Doctor. Caesar Hernandez ,University of Alabanma at Birmingham, United States 🎓

Professional Profile

🧠Dr. Caesar Miguel Hernandez: Pioneering Researcher in Neurobiology of Aging 

🎓Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Caesar Miguel Hernandez embarked on his academic journey with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, with a minor in Biotechnology, graduating Magna Cum Laude from Florida Atlantic University in 2011. He furthered his studies with a Master of Science in Biological Sciences from Florida Atlantic University, where his research focused on methionine reductase sulfoxide deficiency and its effects on dopamine levels in Drosophila. He earned his PhD in Medical Sciences, concentrating in Neuroscience, from the University of Florida in 2018. His doctoral thesis explored circuit and molecular mechanisms of altered decision-making in aging, supervised by Jennifer Lynn Bizon, Ph.D., and Barry Setlow, Ph.D.

💼Professional Endeavors 

Dr. Hernandez is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine, Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care at The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). His prior roles include postdoctoral fellowships at UAB and the University of Florida, where he focused on neurobiology, aging, and neuropsychiatric disorders. His career also includes research assistant and lab manager positions, as well as service in the U.S. Marine Corps, demonstrating a diverse and impactful professional background.

🔬Contributions and Research Focus 

Dr. Hernandez’s research delves into the neurobiology of cognitive aging and Alzheimer’s disease, particularly investigating brain excitation/inhibition dynamics, neuroinflammation, and therapeutic interventions. His notable work includes identifying fear extinction impairments in TgF344AD rat models as early as six months of age and uncovering synaptic dysfunctions in the basolateral amygdala. He has also explored the distinct neurophysiological mechanisms underlying age-related fear memory extinction deficits and early BLA inflammation linked to executive dysfunction in Alzheimer’s models.

🏆Accolades and Recognition 

Dr. Hernandez’s contributions to neuroscience have been recognized through numerous awards and fellowships, including the 2024 Mentoring Institute for Neuroscience Diversity Scholars (MINDS) Fellowship and multiple accolades for his research presentations at UAB and Society for Neuroscience conferences. His achievements reflect a high level of excellence and commitment to advancing the field of neurobiology.

🌍Impact and Influence 

Dr. Hernandez’s research has significant implications for understanding neuropsychiatric disorders and aging. By identifying early biomarkers and mechanisms associated with cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease, his work contributes to the development of potential therapeutic strategies. His influence extends through his publications, collaborative efforts, and mentorship in the field.

🔮Legacy and Future Contributions 

Looking ahead, Dr. Hernandez aims to continue advancing research on aging and neuropsychiatric disorders, with a focus on translating his findings into clinical applications. His dedication to research and mentoring will likely inspire future breakthroughs in understanding and treating age-related cognitive impairments.

📖Publications : 

Sandra Carvalho | NeurociĂŞncia clĂ­nica | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Sandra Carvalho | NeurociĂŞncia clĂ­nica | Best Researcher Award

University of Aveiro, Portugal

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Sandra da Conceição Ribeiro de Carvalho, known professionally as Carvalho, S., has had a distinguished academic journey. She completed her undergraduate studies in Psychology at the University of Minho in 2005. She then pursued a master's specialization in Clinical Psychology, finishing the coursework in 2007. Carvalho earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Minho in 2011, focusing her dissertation on the "Neuropsychophysiological Correlates of Emotional Processing."

Professional Endeavors

Her professional career is marked by various academic and research positions. She has served as an Assistant Professor in multiple institutions, including the University of Minho, Universidad de San Martín de Porres in Peru, and the Universidade Portucalense in Porto, Portugal. Since 2021, she has been an Assistant Professor at the University of Aveiro in the Department of Education and Psychology. Additionally, she held significant roles such as Research Scholar at Northeastern University's Bouvé College of Health Sciences and completed postdoctoral research at Harvard Medical School.

Contributions and Research Focus

Het research primarily focuses on neuropsychology and neurophysiology, with a particular interest in brain stimulation techniques, emotional processing, and cognitive functions. She has extensively studied non-invasive brain stimulation methods, including transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS). Her work has been published in numerous high-impact journals, such as Neurocase, Brain Sciences, and Frontiers in Human Neuroscience.

Accolades and Recognition

Throughout her career, Her received several prestigious accolades. Notably, she was awarded a merit-based scholarship by the director of the Principles and Practice in Clinical Research program at Harvard Medical School. She has also secured funding from the Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) for her postdoctoral research and other projects. Her contributions to the field have been recognized through her role as an associate editor for five international scientific journals.

Impact and Influence

Her influence extends beyond her research. She is a member of the Executive Committee and Scientific-Pedagogical Committee of the Department of Education and Psychology at the University of Aveiro. Additionally, she coordinates the department's mobility and internationalization efforts, showcasing her commitment to fostering global academic collaboration. Her clinical expertise includes neuropsychology consultations and supervising professional internships at the University of Minho.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Her legacy is built on her pioneering research in neuropsychology and brain stimulation, her dedication to academic excellence, and her influential role in international academic circles. Looking forward, she continues to contribute to the advancement of clinical and health psychology through her leadership in research and education. Her ongoing work at the University of Aveiro, along with her extensive publication record, ensures that her impact on the field will persist, benefiting both the academic community and the broader public.

Notable Publications 

Evidence-based guidelines and secondary meta-analysis for the use of transcranial direct current stimulation in neurological and psychiatric disorders

Regulatory considerations for the clinical and research use of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS): review and recommendations from an expert panel

The emotional movie database (EMDB): A self-report and psychophysiological study

Task-specific effects of tDCS-induced cortical excitability changes on cognitive and motor sequence set shifting performance

Affective picture modulation: Valence, arousal, attention allocation and motivational significance

Motor cortex excitability and BDNF levels in chronic musculoskeletal pain according to structural pathology

The effects of cross-hemispheric dorsolateral prefrontal cortex transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on task switching

Reviewing working memory training gains in healthy older adults: A meta-analytic review of transfer for cognitive outcomes

Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex modulates attention and pain in fibromyalgia: randomized clinical trial

Hemispheric dorsolateral prefrontal cortex lateralization in the regulation of empathy for pain