Neurotransmission, Alzhermer's Disease, Dementia, Molecular Mechanisms
Herson R. Astacio joined the NINDS Alzheimer's Disease and Alzheimer's Disease Related Dementias (AD/ADRD) team as a Health Program Specialist for the Neurodegeneration Dementia and Repeat Expansion Disorders Cluster in the Division of Neuroscience. Herson started his science career with a bachelor's in biology from the University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez Campus. Before joining graduate school, he worked as a laboratory technician in the Neuroscience Department at Universidad Central del Caribe (UCC). Herson continued his education in biological sciences and joined the graduate degree program in the Neuroscience Department at UCC in Bayamón, PR. Later, he transferred to Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit, MI, where he obtained his Ph.D. in Anatomy and Cell Biology with a research focus in neuroscience. His research studied synaptic transmission, elucidating the properties of spontaneous transmitter release at individual active zones. Before joining the NINDS, Herson served a tour on active duty with the Army as the operations/training officer. He has been in the Army National Guard for 18 years and serves in the 210th Military Police Battalion as the Operations Officer. Herson loves to spend time with his 7-year-old son doing outdoor activities and sports. Additionally, Herson is an avid weightlifter and road/mountain biker.