Biography

Dr. Peruzzi has more than 20 years’ experience in molecular biology and signal transduction pathways in HIV-associated neurological disorders (HAND) and cancer research. Through collaborations with HIV researchers at LSU Health New Orleans, she is researching the role of plasma miRNAs as biomarkers for HIV-associated cognitive disorders in substance-using HIV positive patients. Most recently, her research team has developed a protocol to study circulating miRNAs in HIV/AIDS patients and pioneered the search of miRNA biomarkers for cognitive deficits in HIV/AIDS patients. She is also overseeing the investigations of immune dysfunction in HIV patients.

Dr. Peruzzi also works with undergraduate and graduate students on molecular biology and signaling. As an LSU Health New Orleans graduate faculty member, she collaborates with the Microbiology and Genetics Graduate Programs on the development of new lectures supporting existing teaching activities.  She developed and co-directed an advanced course on the molecular mechanisms of neuroprotection and loss for MD/PhD students at Temple University School of Medicine. She has served as a PhD thesis advisor for five students, an master’s thesis advisor for one student, and a member of an MS thesis advisory committee for six students.  She also is a member of the Research Advisory Committee and of the Junior Faculty Guidance and Mentoring Committee

 

Memberships in Professional Organizations