Veronica Jimenez Ortiz

Veronica Jimenez Ortiz is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at California State University, Fullerton (CSUF). She serves as Program Coordinator for the Undergraduate Research Training Initiative for Student Enhancement (U-RISE) Program from 2023-2028. Her research focuses on ion channel function in protozoan parasites, particularly Trypanosoma cruzi, exploring mechanisms of environmental sensing and adaptation including mechanosensation, osmoregulation, and electrophysiological processes.

Education:

• PhD, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
• MS, Juan Agustin Maza University, Mendoza, Argentina
• BS, Juan Agustin Maza University, Mendoza, Argentina

Her research interests include understanding the role of ion channels in parasite survival, particularly mechanosensitive channels regulating osmoregulation and infectivity. She investigates how Trypanosoma cruzi adapts to host environments through membrane potential control and pH regulation. Her work also explores Acinetobacter baumannii virulence mechanisms in host fluids like CSF and pleural fluid.

Publications Trends: Recent work emphasizes novel mechanosensitive channels, antibiotic resistance modulation via zinc complexes, and host-pathogen metabolic interactions. Key areas include drug discovery targeting parasitic ion channels and enzymatic resistance pathways.

Labs & Collaboration: Maintains an active lab at CSUF (website: Jimenez Lab). Collaborates with institutions like the University of Chile and the University of California San Diego on parasite physiology and antimicrobial research.