The major interest for Dr. von Bernhardi’s research group is the understanding of pathogenic mechanisms for neurodegenerative diseases. She focuses on age-dependent changes and the participation of glial cells, which are responsible for both protective and deleterious processes in the health and disease of the CNS, to elucidate the molecular bases of how dysfunctional glial cell can trigger neurodegenerative changes and the relation of cytotoxic activation with aging. Her research considers multiple approaches, combining biochemical, morphological, transgenic animals, cell culture, neurobehavior and physiological methods. Another line of development is centered in biomarkers relevant for the diagnosis of degenerative diseases.

Rommy von Bernhardi obtained her Medical Degree at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC). She pursued her pH degree in Biological Sciences, doing her PhD thesis work at University of Utah, USA and a postdoctorate at the Biozentrum der Universität Basel, Switzerland. Back in Chile, she worked at Universidad de Los Andes and, in 2001, was incorporated at the PUC, in the Neurology Department and PhD in Medical Sciences, becoming Professor in 2010. She has more than 100 publications in journals and books. She has been PI and coinvestigator of many grants from FONDECYT, FONDEF (D10I1077), MECESUP-2, NIH (1R03TW008019-01A2) and other agencies from 1997.

Dr. von Bernhardi teaches at the master’s degree program in Neurokinesiology classes oriented to aging, memory and motor learning and neuroplasticity. She also leads research seminar for medical technology students, and Research II laboratories for medical students, both from the Faculty of Medicine and Science. In addition to her participation in undergraduate courses, Dr. von Bernhardi is advisor and mentor for undergraduate and postgraduate (Master and PhD thesis students) in science and medical fields. Her lines of research, broad neuroscience and physiological knowledge and laboratory experience, facilitates the development of critical thinking and research skills.