University of New Mexico-Main Campus · NeuroscienceCognition and Circuits Lab
Carlos Fernando Valenzuela · Albuquerque, New Mexico
Research Focus
Dr. Carlos Fernando Valenzuela's lab focuses on understanding how fetal alcohol exposure affects brain development and cognitive function. The research aims to identify the specific mechanisms behind the cognitive deficits caused by fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs), using advanced techniques like electrophysiology in animal models. Ultimately, the lab seeks to develop targeted treatments to improve outcomes for individuals affected by FASDs.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum DisordersCognitive DeficitsElectrophysiologyNeuronal CircuitsSynaptic Transmission
Research Aims
5AIM 01Determine the impact of fetal alcohol exposure on neuronal connectivity in the limbic memory system.
AIM 02Examine changes in synaptic transmission caused by fetal alcohol exposure at specific brain circuits.
AIM 03Assess the effects of alcohol on high frequency oscillatory bursts essential for memory in freely behaving mice.
AIM 04Characterize how fetal alcohol exposure disrupts spatial learning and memory processes.
AIM 05Identify potential biological targets for interventions to improve cognitive outcomes in affected individuals.
Skills the Lab Values
ElectrophysiologyIn Vitro StudiesIn Vivo ElectrophysiologyOptogeneticsSlice Preparation
Output against the department
Publications193top 38% of dept.258th of 671
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations7.6ktop 49% of dept.329th of 671
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.