Amira Latif Hernandez, PhD

Dr. Amira Latif-Hernandez is a dedicated neuroscientist with a research focus on unraveling the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying synaptic failure in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). With the ultimate goal of developing mechanism-based therapeutics, Dr. Latif-Hernandez has a proven track record of innovative research and impactful collaborations with demonstrated expertise in electrophysiology, molecular biology, and translational research. During her predoctoral and doctoral studies, Dr. Latif-Hernandez developed a novel electrophysiology protocol to detect synaptopathies and characterized electrophysiology and brain synchronicity in new APP knock-in mouse models. Her postdoctoral work at the Longo lab at Stanford University involved identifying activity-dependent gene expression, elucidating the role of astrocytic lactate transfer in neurodegeneration and translating preclinical findings into insights from clinical human data. Currently, as an Instructor, she continues to unravel key activity-dependent transcriptomic signatures that may contribute to synaptic dysfunction in ADRD. Dr. Latif-Hernandez 's research, supported by the BrightFocus Standard Award, aims to elucidate novel mechanisms of neuroplasticity dysfunction in ADRD, particularly the role of impaired interneuron-astrocyte communication in synaptic failure. Dr. Latif-Hernandez’s goal is to identifying therapeutic targets to restore synaptic dysfunction and ameliorate ADRD progression.