Otero Lab

Dr. José Otero's research focuses on translational neuropathology, emphasizing reactive gliosis and neuroinflammation. Otero investigates the development and application of AI-driven tools to enhance medical decision-making in surgical neuropathology.

He is a board-certified pathologist and physician-scientist with more than 20 years of experience in academic medicine.

See research publications and more on FIU Discovery.

Contact Us

For information about our lab or undergraduate research opportunities, please contact us at josotero@fiu.edu

About the Lab

The Otero Lab aims to understand the molecular basis of neurological diseases and to modernize the clinical practice of neuropathology. These two objectives are achieved by integrating the tools of molecular and cellular biology, histology, and advanced computational techniques.

The laboratory focuses on two main areas of translational and clinical neuropathology: the neuropathological mechanisms of autonomic dysfunction and the workflows of neuropathology informatics for diagnostic purposes. It is the first to identify the neuropathological basis of a confirmed case of congenital central hypoventilation syndrome, a rare condition caused by mutations in the transcription factor Phox2b. The lab employs cutting-edge tools, including genomics, machine learning and artificial intelligence, to enhance diagnostic accuracy and precision.

Lab equipment

  • Cell culture
  • Plethysmography
  • Polymerase chain reaction
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay

Lab Members

  • Cristina Alonso

    Cristina Alonso
    Ph.D. in Biomedical Science Student

  • Michele Alves, Ph.D.

    Michele Alves, Ph.D.
    Faculty

  • Glaucia Maria de Mendonça Fernandes, Ph.D.

    Glaucia Maria de Mendonça Fernandes, Ph.D.
    Postdoctoral Associate
     305-348-9010
     gdemendo@fiu.edu
     AHC1 320A

  • Isaac Vargas Rodriguez

    Isaac Vargas Rodriguez
    Post-doctoral Associate

Donate

Interested in supporting our research or scholars?
Please contact:
Naomi Nixon
Associate Dean for Development
Phone: 305-348-9038
Email: nnixon@fiu.edu