Natalia Palacios is Assistant Professor at the University of Massachusetts and Lowell, and Visiting Scientist at Harvard University. She is a leader in the field of gut-brain axis, and neurodegenerative disease, focusing on the role of the microbiome in Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.
The microbiome multi-omics, and brain health: Dr. Palacios is leading several large NIH supported studies focused on the role of gut microbiome in Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. Recent work has shown that the microbiome of Parkinson’s patients may change many years prior to motor symptom onset, and that the microbiomes and metabolites of patients with poor cognitive health differ from healthy individuals. Our ongoing studies on microbiome of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s integrate data on gut metagenomes, gut virome, gut metabolites and serum metabolomes.
Want to get involved? We are looking for talented masters or doctoral students and post-doctoral associates. Students with a strong background in data analytics (biostatistics, mathematics, computer science, bioinformatics), who are comfortable in R and/or Python are driven and independent learners and eager to master new tools and techniques are particularly encouraged to apply. Please email natalia_palacios@uml.edu with your CV and cover letter.
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