Alejandra Mendoza, whose research seeks to uncover the ways the immune and nervous systems interact to maintain homeostasis in the body, joined the Department of Immunology and Microbiology as an assistant professor last fall. Using imaging, genetic targeting and gene expression analysis, Mendoza hopes to reveal therapeutic targets to treat a spectrum of immunologically chronic conditions.

Because her work is multifaceted, Mendoza believes Scripps Research is the ideal place to launch her own lab. “In addition to being known as one of the most respected institutions in the world, Scripps Research is also uniquely collaborative across its many departments,” Mendoza says. “This exciting scientific environment is ideal for my interdisciplinary research that spans immunology, neuroscience, microbiology, and even larger than that, for providing new scientific avenues in the future.”

Mendoza earned her doctorate in Basic Medical Sciences at New York University. She has received numerous awards for her innovative work, including postdoctoral awards from the Cancer Research Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and the New York University School of Medicine.