Our Team

Dr. Luis Fernando Pacheco Otálora
Principal Investigator

Dr. Pacheco is a biochemist with a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil, and a degree in Biology from Universidad Ricardo Palma, Peru. He leads the Neuroscience Research Laboratory at Universidad Andina del Cusco, studying hippocampal plasticity and searching for new therapies for Epilepsy, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Dante Gomez Cuautle
Postdoctoral Fellow

I am a molecular biologist with a Ph.D. in Medical Sciences from the University of Buenos Aires, specializing in molecular neuropathology, epileptogenesis, and epigenetics. My research focuses on epigenetic changes in astrocytes—particularly DNA methylation—and their impact on gene expression, inflammation, and brain homeostasis in epilepsy, using pilocarpine-induced animal models.

Favorite Scientists: Lynn Margulis, Jean-Baptiste Lamarck, Conrad Waddington
Hobby: Making music and watching films
Favorite Food: Anything my mom cooks

Sergio Cruz
Collaborator

I completed my bachelor's degree in Biology at Universidad Ricardo Palma, Peru, where I studied the levels of gene products (mRNA and proteins) involved in mRNA transport after silencing the WRN protein in HeLa cells. I have collaborated with Miguel Hernández University of Elche, the Cell Culture and Immunology Laboratory, and the Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry Laboratory at Universidad Científica del Sur. Since 2020, I have been a member of the Neuroscience Research Laboratory at Universidad Andina del Cusco.

Favorite Scientist: Anton Van Leeuwenhoek
Hobby: Cycling
Favorite Food: Pasta

Rodrigo Cáceres
Master’s Student

I am an early-stage researcher with a background in psychology and a focus on experimental neuroscience. I work on EEG analysis in rodent models of epilepsy and the study of cognitive impairments. I use open-source tools to build transparent and reproducible workflows, integrating experimental and computational approaches. My academic interests include Bayesian statistics, linear and generalized linear models, and machine learning to understand patterns of neuronal activity. I aim to contribute to open, reproducible, and methodologically robust neuroscience.

Favorite Scientist: Karl Marx
Hobby: Browsing the internet
Favorite Food: Arroz con mariscos

Yessenia Yauri
Master’s Student

I am a biologist specialized in Biotechnology and a graduate of the Master’s program in Molecular Biology. My research focuses on the effects of a macamamide—a compound found in Lepidium meyenii (Peruvian maca)—on the endocannabinoid system, particularly the expression of the CB1 receptor and the BKCa channel in a pentylene­tetrazole-induced epilepsy model in rats. I aim to contribute to innovative projects that advance knowledge and create meaningful social impact.

Favorite Scientist: Marie Sklodowska-Curie
Hobby: Reading
Favorite Food: Ceviche

Nohelya Torres
Research Trainee

I hold a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Universidad Nacional de San Antonio Abad del Cusco. Since 2024,  I have been a member of the Neuroscience Research Laboratory at Universidad Andina del Cusco under the mentorship of Dr. Pacheco, working in the Neurodegenerative Diseases and Epilepsy research line. My main goal is to gain a deeper understanding of the brain from a molecular perspective.

Favorite Scientist: Jennifer Doudna
Hobby: Graphic design
Favorite Food: Pastel de papa

Bety Guzman
Intern

I studied Psychology at Universidad Andina del Cusco and have been part of the Neuroscience Research Laboratory since February 2023, completing my training in the Epilepsy research line under Dr. Luis Pacheco. My research interests focus on behavioral, cognitive, and emotional processes associated with epilepsy. My undergraduate thesis examined depression-like behaviors in Sprague Dawley rats, strengthening my orientation toward experimental research. I am currently pursuing a postgraduate degree in Psychological Research, driven by the goal of understanding phenomena with scientific rigor.

Favorite Scientist: B. F. Skinner
Hobby: Dancing, poetry, and going to the gym
Favorite Food: Chocolate cake