Science & Discovery

The Valdez Lab focuses on understanding the pathology and physiology of vascular diseases present in the eye using mouse models. Dr. Valdez is interested in investigating endothelial cell (EC)-pericyte interactions in the microvasculature (arterioles, capillaries, and venules) of the retina in animal models of disease. Her research primarily focuses on capillaries, which are formed by two cell types: EC's create the inner layer and pericytes form the outer layer. Her previous work was centered on understanding the role of pericyte loss in diabetic retinopathy, the eye disease in diabetes. Through this research, Dr. Valdez was able to experimentally show for the first time that conditional loss of pericytes in adult mice caused microvascular destabilization - acellular capillaries, microaneurysms, and leakage - which has implications for diabetic retinopathy. Additionally, she created automated methods for quantifying EC's, pericytes, and acellular capillaries in the microvasculature of mice.

The Valdez Lab is currently investigating cerebral small vessel disease (SVD), the leading cause of stroke and cognitive impairment and a common neurological disorder in the elderly. Along with her collaborators at Harvard Medical School/Schepens Eye Research Institute/Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Dr. Valdez is studying the EC-pericyte interactions in models of CADASIL (cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy), the most common monogenic cause of SVD.

Publications

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From Pathobiology to the Targeting of Pericytes for the Treatment of
Diabetic Retinopathy

Joseph Arboleda-Velasquez, Cammi Valdez,
Christina Marko, Patricia D’Amore

Current Diabetes Report
2015 February: 15 (2)

Abstract in PubMed

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Retinal Microangiopathy in a Mouse
Model of Inducible Mural Cell Loss

Cammi Valdez, Joseph Arboleda-Velasquez,
Dhanesh Amarnani, Leo Kim, Patricia D’Amore

American Journal of Pathology
2014 October: 184 (10)

Abstract in PubMed

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Crystal structure of dichlorido-(4,11-dimethyl-1,4,8,11- tetraazabicyclo-[6.6.2]hexa-deca-ne)iron(III) hexa-fluoride-phosphate

Neil Funwie, Amy Cain, Serena Hageman, Mallory Mullens,
Travis Roberts, Daniel Turner, Cammi Valdez et al.

Acta Crystallographer Communications
2015 August: 71 (9)

Abstract in PubMed

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Heme Regulates Exocrine Peptidase Precursor Genes in Zebrafish

Han Wang, Qingchun Zhou, Jason Kesinger,
Chad Norris, Cammi Valdez

Experimental Biology and Medicine
2007 October: 232 (9)

Abstract in PubMed

Keynote Address

Dr. Valdez provides dynamic and engaging keynote addresses to audiences of all sizes, small and large. Speaking on a variety of topics from diversity and inclusion to STEM diversity to graduate school applications, Dr. Valdez can provide a keynote address tailored to meet your conference, college/university, or corporate needs. Here are few examples of keynote addresses Dr. Valdez has delivered:

• The Nonlinear Path to Success
• Diversity as a Mindset
• Why Diversity Matters in the Workplace
• The Scientist’s Guide to Success
• Empowering Women in STEM
• Diversifying STEM
• Applying to Graduate School
• PhD? Why Not Me!

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Tailored Workshops & Trainings

Dr. Valdez has developed a number of creative workshops that utilize active learning and embrace the University Design for Learning theory. She believes that learning happens when we engage and interact with materials and is able to provide workshops and trainings that use many different modes of media. The workshops and trainings Dr. Valdez has created can be designed to meet the needs of the audience type such as staff members, faculty, students, or mixed audiences. Each workshop or training will be tailored for your event. Below are some examples of workshops and trainings Dr. Valdez has created and facilitated:

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion



Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM)



Applying to Graduate School


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Don’t see what you need? Dr. Valdez can create a workshop or training for you! Contact Dr. Valdez with details of what you need for your event.
Panelist & Moderator

Over the past decade, Dr. Valdez has served on and moderated countless panels. As a panelist, Dr. Valdez believes in sharing the stage with her colleagues and aims to keep Q&A responses brief to allow for attendees to ask their questions during the panel. As a moderator, Dr. Valdez organizes conference calls with the panelists in advance of the meeting or event to manage the expectations of the organizers with the participating panelists, go over formatting, and review the content that will be covered. Here are a few examples of topics Dr. Valdez has been invited to participate in as a panelist or moderator:

• Supporting Diverse Campuses
• Diversity Officers in Higher Education
• Higher Education Administration Paths
• Career Paths
• Women in STEM
• People of Color in STEM
• PhD Panel
• Choosing a Thesis/Dissertation Advisor
• Funding Graduate Education


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Roundtable Discussions

Over the past decade, Dr. Valdez has served on and moderated countless panels. As a panelist, Dr. Valdez believes in sharing the stage with her colleagues and aims to keep Q&A responses brief to allow for attendees to ask their questions during the panel. As a moderator, Dr. Valdez organizes conference calls with the panelists in advance of the meeting or event to manage the expectations of the organizers with the participating panelists, go over formatting, and review the content that will be covered. Here are a few examples of topics Dr. Valdez has been invited to participate in as a panelist or moderator: 

 


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