Denise Ramirez

Dr. Denise Ramirez is the Director of the Whole Brain Microscopy Facility (WBMF) in the Department of Neurology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UTSW), a position she has held since 2014. She previously served as the founding Core Manager of WBMF and brings over 20 years of expertise in optical imaging and high-throughput volumetric imaging technologies. Her work focuses on advancing neuroimaging techniques to uncover novel anatomical insights, supporting both basic and translational neuroscience research.

Her research interests include brain cholesterol metabolism, synaptic neurotransmission mechanisms, and the role of SNARE proteins in neuronal communication. She has contributed to studies on neurodegeneration, autoimmune disorders like multiple sclerosis, and the impact of B cell activity in stroke recovery. Dr. Ramirez’s facility provides cutting-edge microscopy services and instrumentation to the neuroscience community, as detailed on the WBMF website.

Dr. Ramirez earned her Ph.D. under Dr. David Russell, studying brain cholesterol metabolism, and completed postdoctoral work with Dr. Ege Kavalali on SNARE proteins in spontaneous neurotransmission. Her publications span neuroanatomy, synaptic physiology, and neuroimaging technologies. While no formal awards are listed, her contributions to neuroimaging and synaptic research are evident through her extensive publication record and facility leadership.