Research
Dr. Guerra’s early work focused on fetal development studies, especially the effect of in-utero programming. This work showed the effects of hypernatremia on the fetus and its long-term effect. Based on the results obtained from these studies, the department of obstetrics and gynecology has developed a model of in-utero imprinting that has shown the relation between food restriction of moms and the presentation of obesity on their offspring.
She has also participated in research conducted by the department of pediatrics on the effects of enzyme replacement therapy for mucopolysaccharidosis type I (Hurler syndrome), specially in the effects of such treatment when given intrathecal and intra-articular. This work has now moved to human trials and has opened the door for similar work to be conducted on similar diseases such as mucopolysaccharidosis type III (Sanfilippo syndrome) in the other models.
Additionally, she has participated in studies developing new catheters to improve drug delivery in the liver, neurostimulators for the treatment of stroke patients, and surfactants in premature babies, just to name a few.
Biography
Dr. Catalina Guerra currently serves as the Director of the C. W. Steers Biological Resources Center (BRC) at The Lundquist Institute and has more than 25 years of experience with biological models. She is responsible for the biological resources program at the institution as well as planning, overseeing and conducting medical care for all biological models and directs and supervises activities in the BRC. Previously, she served as a Parasitology Professor at the Universidad de Antioquia in Medellín, Colombia.
She serves on the IACUC, trains investigators, technicians and caretakers, makes changes or recommendations, ensures compliance with regulations, and assists in monitoring compliance with Occupational Health and Safety programs. She is responsible for the health monitoring program and has ample experience in developing biological models for various medical specialties.