My main research line studies the field of neural control of cardiorespiratory regulation in the setting of 
highly prevalent human diseases using pre-clinical animal models. Specifically, how brainstem 
(pre)sympathetic neurons regulate the (patho)physiological phenomena occurring in noncommunicable 
diseases such as heart failure, hypertension and metabolic disorders. I have published more than 100 peer-
reviewed scientific papers and presented more than 200 communications in national and international 
meetings studying the role of these neurons on the genesis and progression of sleep apneas, breathing 
pattern disruptions, cardiac arrhythmias and contractile dysfunction, using state-of-the-art techniques of 
neurobiology (opto/chemogenetics, intracerebral immunotoxin and drug delivery, live cell recording, 
electrophysiology) combined with (non)invasive physiological variables recording (EKG, blood pressure, 
ventilation, intraventricular catheterization) and molecular biology for investigating the underlying 
mechanisms responsible of neuron-dependent cardiorespiratory dysfunction. I have also been able to 
establish a wide collaborative network with academic and industrial partners for accomplishing our 
objectives. I trained 7 graduate students, of which 6 of them are currently in academic positions at Chilean 
Universities. 
Recently, I have explored I+D ideas by developing novel antioxidant-rich natural extracts with cardio/neuroprotective effects in order to transfer this development into a more translational perspective.