Carlos Fernández-Peña, PhD, is a new faculty member at UNMC.
- Name: Carlos Fernández-Peña, PhD
- Title and department at UNMC: Assistant professor, UNMC Department of Neurological Sciences
- Hometown: Caracas, Venezuela
Experience and education:
- Associate scientist, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
- Postdoctoral fellow, University of Tennessee Health Science Center
- PhD in neuroscience, Universidad Miguel Hernandez in Spain
- Licentiate in Cellular Biology (equivalent to BS plus MS) from Universidad Central de Venezuela
How I fell in love with neuroscience:
I fell in love with neuroscience shortly after obtaining my biology degree, when I started studying how the brain processes and interprets pain in health and disease. I was quickly captivated by the remarkable complexity of this organ and decided to dedicate my career to studying it.
During my PhD and postdoctoral training, I explored in depth the mechanisms through which the brain regulates physiological responses to stress-related behaviors. I became particularly intrigued by how internal signals from the body — known as interoception — shape the perception of external stimuli.
My laboratory now focuses on elucidating the contribution of the body-brain connection to the onset and chronification of psychiatric illnesses, with the ultimate goal of advancing the development of more effective therapies.
Three things people might not know about me:
- I used to play competitive soccer until college, and I still enjoy playing from time to time with friends.
- I used to play electric guitar in college, especially progressive rock.
- I like outdoor activities, including hiking, with my family and, when time allows, going rock climbing.