Ana Y. Estevez

Ana Y. Estevez is a Professor in the Biology Department at St. Lawrence University, where she also serves as Co-chair of Biology Education. She holds a B.S. in Psychobiology from Binghamton University and a Ph.D. in Physiology from Wayne State University. Her research focuses on ion channel physiology, neurodegeneration, and the therapeutic potential of cerium oxide nanoparticles (nanoceria) in treating stroke and neurodegenerative diseases. She uses the nematode C. elegans and cultured neurons as model systems. Estevez actively involves undergraduate students in her research, mentoring several each semester. She also serves on university committees, including the Experience St. Lawrence University Task Force and the Health Careers Committee.

Her research interests include the development of antioxidant enzyme-mimetic nanoparticles, their neuroprotective effects, and mechanisms of oxidative stress mitigation. She has collaborated on studies involving mouse models of ALS and autoimmune degenerative diseases, demonstrating the efficacy of custom-synthesized nanoparticles. Estevez’s work bridges basic cellular mechanisms with translational neuroscience, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches.

Her advising and grants focus on undergraduate research training and nanomedicine applications. Estevez’s lab is well-equipped for C. elegans genetics, calcium signaling analysis, and nanoparticle synthesis. She has published extensively on nanoparticle design, calcium channel regulation, and in vivo/in vitro disease models.