I am interested in understanding the changes in immune cell mitochondria during physiological aging and during the development and progression of aging-associated metabolic dysregulation such as obesity and diabetes. Emerging evidence shows a strong association between immune cell function and cellular metabolism. However, the mechanistic links among immune cell function, changes in mitochondrial dynamics and bioenergetics has not been explored and characterized thoroughly. This fueled my interest in “mitochondrial aging” and inflammation.
The Lowell Youth Leadership Program, co-founded by Andres Lopez M’18, aims to enrich children’s social skills and their physical health.