معرفی
Assoc. Prof. Sandra Skuja is a Leading Researcher at the Interdepartmental Electron Microscopy Laboratory and Assistant Professor at the Department of Morphology, Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU). She holds a Doctor of Medicine (Dr. med.) degree from RSU and has contributed to interdisciplinary research bridging neuropathology, cardiovascular disease, and autoimmune conditions.
- Education: Dr. med. (2014–Present, RSU), MSc in Biological Sciences (2005–2007, RSU), Graduate Diploma in Biology (1985–1990, University of Latvia)
- Research Focus:
- Role of β-herpesviruses (HHV-6, HHV-7) and Parvovirus B19 in neuroinflammatory disorders
- Morphological basis of osteoarthritis and aortic valve pathologies
- Autoimmune thyroid disease mechanisms (Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Graves' disease)
- Ultrastructural analysis via electron microscopy
Her research integrates virology, neuroimmunology, and biomechanics, evidenced by 15 recent articles on topics ranging from synovial inflammation in osteoarthritis to viral persistence in graft reactivation. She mentors students in projects involving astrocyte reactivity, valvular interstitial cells, and tight junction proteins in thyroiditis. She has supervised multiple award-winning student works at RSU conferences and led projects funded by the Latvian Council of Science, including studies on viral triggers in rheumatoid arthritis and neurocognitive impacts of joint diseases. Her lab explores matrix metalloproteinases, oxidative stress, and cytokine networks across diverse pathological contexts.
