I am a physician-scientist and neuroscientist currently working as a Research Instructor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. I obtained my MD and PhD from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), where I trained in biomedical sciences with a specialization in neuroimmunology and neurodegenerative disease. My work focuses on understanding how immune and inflammatory mechanisms contribute to brain dysfunction, with particular emphasis on Alzheimer’s disease.

My scientific training spans medicine, immunology, molecular biology, biochemistry, and cell biology. During my undergraduate and doctoral training, I investigated mechanisms of neuroinflammation and neuroprotection, leading to first-author publications in peer-reviewed neuroscience journals. My current research integrates molecular and cellular neuroscience approaches to study how glial dysfunction and inflammatory signaling pathways contribute to neurodegeneration and cognitive decline.

I believe scientific excellence and social responsibility are not separate pursuits. In addition to research, I am deeply committed to education, mentoring, and the development of scientific communities, particularly in Latin America. My long-term goal is to contribute not only to knowledge generation but also to a scientific culture rooted in collaboration, integrity, and human dignity.

I am the founder of NeuroLATAM, a scientific and academic initiative dedicated to strengthening neuroscience in Latin America through education, collaboration, and community-building. Through NeuroLATAM, I work to create accessible spaces for training, scientific exchange, and professional development for students, trainees, and early-career researchers.

I was born and raised in Mexico City. I am the second son of Rolando Hernández and Carmina Espinosa. From them, I learned a passion for science and a love of teaching. I grew up in the colorful neighborhood of Coyoacán, situated in the center of the city. I attended high school at UNAM, which became my second home and remained a significant part of my life until I completed my doctorate. It was also there that I met my beautiful partner, Gabriela Medina, my companion on this beautiful and brief journey called life.