Virginie Bottero

Virginie Bottero is an Assistant Professor of Biology at Carthage College. She holds a Ph.D. in molecular and cellular biology from the University of Nice Sophia-Antipolis, France (2002), followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies. Her research focuses on viral signaling pathways (e.g., human herpesvirus 8/KSHV), neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson’s and dementia), and bioinformatics applications. She has taught at multiple institutions including Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Sciences (RFUMS) and Lake Forest College, covering courses in virology, cancer biology, molecular neuroscience, and microbiology. At RFUMS, she also mentors first- and second-year medical students through clinical case studies.

• Education:
• Ph.D. in Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Nice Sophia-Antipolis, France (2002)
• Postdoctoral Fellowship, Salk Institute for Biological Studies
• Research Highlights:
• Expertise in cell signaling and viral pathogenesis
• Developed bioinformatic tools (e.g., network analysis) for neurodegenerative biomarker discovery
• Investigated gene regulation in dementia
• Teaching & Mentorship:
• Course instructor in cancer biology, virology, and molecular neuroscience
• Lab mentor for undergraduate/medical students