معرفی
Petronella Hermann is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Calgary, with cross-appointments as Sessional Instructor in the Faculty of Arts (Psychology) and Cumming School of Medicine. She holds a PhD in Neuroscience from Vrije Universiteit (1994) and a BS from the University of Groningen (1989). Her research focuses on environmental neurotoxicology and cellular/molecular mechanisms of neuronal aging, using gastropod models like Lymnaea stagnalis to investigate aging-related declines in neuronal function and memory. Key areas include oxidative stress pathways, inflammation’s role in memory dysfunction, and neurotrophic factors’ impact on axonal regeneration.
Her work spans over three decades, with contributions to understanding integrin signaling in nerve repair, EGF’s role in neuroprotection, and age-dependent behavioral adaptations in hermaphroditic snails. Notable methodologies include electrophysiological recordings, molecular biology techniques, and behavioral assays in invertebrate models.
Publications emphasize translational insights from invertebrate systems to human aging and neurodegenerative disorders. Current research trends highlight interdisciplinary approaches linking molecular mechanisms to behavioral outcomes in aging nervous systems.
