Dr. Blanca Aldana

Associate Professor

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Biography

Blanca Aldana is an Associate Professor at the University of Copenhagen specializing in the mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative disorders. Her research primarily focuses on understanding energy metabolism in the brain, with particular emphasis on glial cells and their roles in conditions such as epilepsy and Alzheimer’s disease. Aldana employs pharmacological approaches to modulate glial metabolism and investigates the intricate interactions between microglia and astrocytes in both healthy and diseased states. She has expertise in using cutting-edge techniques such as transgenic animal models and live-cell bioenergetics to explore the cellular pathways regulating brain energy, as well as the pathophysiology associated with neurodegeneration. Aldana is also deeply committed to education, fostering critical thinking and curiosity among her students through an engaging and inclusive teaching philosophy. Throughout her career, she has been recognized with numerous awards for her research and teaching, reflecting her contributions to neurosciences and pharmacology.

Research Interests

Experience

Associate Professor, Group leader NeuroMetabolism Research Group

2022-01-01 — Present

University of Copenhagen • Copenhagen

Leads research initiatives focused on brain metabolism and neurodegenerative diseases.

Assistant Professor

2019-01-01 — 2022-01-01

University of Copenhagen • Copenhagen

Conducted research and taught courses related to neuropharmacology.

Visiting Scientist/Postdoc

2014-01-01 — 2018-01-01

University of Copenhagen • Copenhagen

Collaborated on various research projects within the pharmacology department.

Research Assistant

2014-01-01 — 2014-12-31

Centre for Research Advanced Studies • Mexico

Assisted in research projects focused on biomedical sciences.

Lecturer

2013-01-01 — 2014-12-31

Faculty of Health Sciences, Anahuac University • Mexico

Designed and taught courses in biomedical research.

Awards

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Research Prize

2024-01-01
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Nominated Teacher of the Year

2023-01-01
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Emerging Investigator Award

2023-01-01
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Early Career Award

2020-01-01
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Grant for Postdoctoral Stays

2016-01-01
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Grant for PhD Studies

2009-01-01
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PAPIIT Award

2008-01-01

Requirements for University of Copenhagen

Master Program
Requirements
IELTS
Overall
Required:6.5
TOEFL
Total
Required:83
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Psychology Minimum 45 ECTS in core psychology areas Minimum 20 ECTS in methodology and statistics
Application Checklist
  • Bachelor's diploma
  • Transcript of records
  • Course descriptions
  • Self-assessment form
  • Documentation of English proficiency
Specialization Notes

Focuses on clinical, social, and cognitive psychology.