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Anastassia Voronova is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Cell Biology at the University of Alberta. She completed her Ph.D. at the University of Ottawa, focusing on fundamental questions in neurobiology, particularly on neural stem cells and their role in brain regeneration. Her laboratory utilizes animal models and primary cell cultures along with molecular biology techniques to investigate how neural stem cells differentiate into oligodendrocytes, which are cells previously thought to merely act as the 'glue' of the brain. Dr. Voronova's research reveals the essential role of oligodendrocytes in myelin formation, insulating nerve axons, and facilitating neuronal conduction. She is studying the loss of oligodendrocytes as a contributor to neurodevelopmental disorders like schizophrenia and autism, as well as neurodegenerative conditions including Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis. Her goal is to design novel therapies that promote the repair and regeneration of oligodendrocytes, focusing on endogenous adult neural stem cells. Voronova's lab aims to explore the genetic and cellular mechanisms that regulate oligodendrocyte genesis with potential applications for treating neurodevelopmental and neurological disorders.
Department: Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Management