Assistant professor, Department of Neurology
524 Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research
460 Medical Center Dr, Columbus, OH 43210
Originally from beautiful Spain, Dr. Saez Atienzar earned her Ph.D. in 2015. Shortly thereafter, she began a postdoctoral fellowship in the Laboratory of Neurogenetics at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). It was during this time that she cultivated a profound interest in genetics and bioinformatics, recognizing the transformative potential of big data analysis in addressing complex biological questions. In 2023, she established her own Laboratory within the Department of Neurology at Ohio State University. The primary focus of her multidisciplinary research is to integrate computational and experimental research to guide drug repositioning strategies for neurodegenerative diseases.
Research Interests
The Saez-Atienzar Lab leverages computational methods to transform genetic data into potential therapeutic solutions for neurodegenerative diseases. My research interests include neurodegeneration, genetics, bioinformatics, iPSCs, and disease models.
Academic Positions
Assistant Professor, 2023-current
Department of Neurology, Neurogenetics Division.
My Lab develops computational drug repositioning strategies for neurodegenerative diseases.
Research Fellow, 2020-2023
Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institutes of Health (NIH). Bethesda, USA
Advisor: Dr. Bryan J. Traynor.
Education
- Postdoctoral Training: Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institutes of Health (NIH). Bethesda, USA. Advisor: Dr. Bryan J. Traynor. 2018-2020.
- Postdoctoral Training: Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institutes of Health (NIH). Bethesda, USA. 2015-2018.
Advisor: Dr. Huaibin Cai. - PhD: Health Science, “Role of LRRK2 in Cell Routes Linked to Parkinson’s Disease”. Universidad Catolica de Valencia. Valencia, Spain. Advisors: Dr. Joaquin Jordan and Dr. Jose R. Blesa. 2012-2015.
- MS: Biomedicine, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha. Albacete, Spain. 2010-2011.
- BS: Biological Science, Universidad de Valencia. Valencia, Spain. 2005-2010.
Editorial Activities
Ad hoc reviewer in the following journals: Brain, Neuropsychopharmacology, Movement Disorders, NPG Parkinson’s Disease, Neurobiology of Aging, Cell Death and Disease, Molecular Neurodegeneration, Neurobiology of Disease, Neurotherapeutics, Toxicology, Plos One, Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology.
Honors and Awards
- 147th American Neurology Association (ANA) Meeting Travel Award. USA, 2022
- Woman in Science Award, Research Recognition by the National Institute on Aging (NIA/NIH), 2022
- Summer Research Mentor Award (NIA, NIH), 2021
- Summer Research Mentor Award (NIA, NIH), 2021
- Summer Research Mentor Award (NIA, NIH), 2019
- Nathan Shock Mentor Award (NIA, NIH), 2019
- Summer Research Mentor Award (NIA, NIH), 2018