Maria Alvarado, PhD
Associate Research Professor
Emory National Primate Research Center
Biography
Maria Alvarado, PhD, studies the neural substrates of learning and memory with a particular emphasis on development. Her research seeks to characterize the unique contributions of medial temporal lobe and prefrontal structures to memory and how those contributions change from infancy to adulthood. This work has implications for animal models of human developmental disorders. In particular, she recently began a series of studies looking at the possible harmful consequences of early-life exposure to anesthesia. The outcome of these studies may reduce the risk cognitive impairments from anesthesia exposure in neonates and children.
Dr. Alvarado completed her undergraduate studies at the University of California, Berkeley. She received her master's and doctoral degrees in behavioral neuroscience from the University of Colorado, Boulder. She was a Postdoctoral Fellow and Research Scientist at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Houston prior to joining the Emory National Primate Research Center in 2004.