Leslie Vazquez, BS

Graduate Student

Leslie Leslie was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She received her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Neuroscience at the University of California, Irvine. As a fresh sophomore, she combined bioinformatics, genome sequencing, and molecular tools to uncover the mechanisms microorganisms utilize to transfer both virulence and antibiotic-resistance genes within our natural environment. Then, she transitioned into Dr. Elizabeth Head’s lab where she studied astrocytes across the lifespan using human post-mortem Alzheimer disease and Down syndrome tissue as an NIH-funded MARC scholar. In 2022, Leslie moved to the greens of Durham to pursue her Ph.D. in Neurobiology and eventually joined the Eroglu lab in 2023. She continues to love astrocytes and is interested in understanding the role of astrocyte-driven mitochondria transport on synapse formation and disease. Outside of the lab, Leslie enjoys nature time, painting landscapes, baking, and having a good time with family and friends.

Expertise

Immunohistochemistry, Confocal Imaging, human post-mortem brain slicing, Image analysis, cell culture