2018: PhD in Medical Sciences, Concentration in Neuroscience, University of Florida
Thesis: “Circuit and Molecular Mechanisms of Altered Decision Making in Aging” (Advisors: Dr. Jennifer Lynn Bizon and Dr. Barry Setlow)
2014: MS in Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University
Thesis: “Methionine Reductase Sulfoxide (Msr) Deficiency Leads to a Reduction of Dopamine Levels in Drosophila” (Advisors: Dr. David Binninger and Dr. Herbert Weissbach)
2011: BS in Biological Sciences with a Minor in Biotechnology, Magna Cum Laude, Florida Atlantic University
2009: AA in Biology, Palm Beach State College
🏫 Professional and Research Experience
2023-Present: Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care, University of Alabama at Birmingham
2022-2023: Postdoctoral Fellow, Laboratories of Dr. Lynn Dobrunz, Dr. Peter King, and Dr. Lori McMahon, Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham
2020-2022: Postdoctoral Fellow, Laboratory of Dr. Lori McMahon, Department of Cellular, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham
2019-2020: Postdoctoral Associate, Laboratories of Dr. Barry Setlow and Dr. Jennifer L. Bizon, Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, University of Florida
2014-2018: Graduate Research Assistant, Laboratories of Dr. Jennifer L. Bizon and Dr. Barry Setlow, Departments of Neuroscience and Psychiatry, University of Florida
2012-2014: Graduate Research Assistant, Laboratory of Dr. David Binninger, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University
2012-2014: Lab Manager, Laboratory of Dr. Herbert Weissbach, Center for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Florida Atlantic University
🏅 Research Grants and Fellowships
NIH Pathway to Independence Award (Parent K99/R00): Research on the impact of normative aging and Alzheimer’s disease on fear-based disorders and amygdala dysfunction
NIH T32 Interdisciplinary Training in Pathobiology and Rehabilitation Medicine
McKnight Predoctoral Fellowship, Florida Education Fund
Tillman Military Scholarship, Pat Tillman Foundation
Honorably Discharged Graduate Assistant Scholarship, University of Florida
🌟 Academic and Professional Awards
1st Place Presentation for Postdoctoral Research Day, UAB’s Postdoctoral Office of Education (2022, 2021)
3rd Place Award for Trainee Talk Session, Comprehensive Neuroscience Center Retreat (2022)
Neuroscience Scholars Program Enrichment Fund, Society for Neuroscience (2020, 2019)
Silver Award, College of Medicine Medical Guild Graduate Research Competition (2018)
Cluff Award for Aging Research, Leighton E. Cluff Endowment and The Institute for Learning in Retirement at Oak Hammock (2018)
William G. Luttge Award for Outstanding Graduate Research in Neuroscience (2018)
Travel Awards, McKnight Brain Institute and International Behavioral Neuroscience Society (2018)
Authors: Abbi R Hernandez, Caesar M Hernandez, Keila Campos, Leah Truckenbrod, Quinten Federico, Brianna Moon, Joseph A McQuail, Andrew P Maurer, Jennifer L Bizon, Sara N Burke
Authors:Caesar M Hernandez, Caitlin Orsini, Alexa-Rae Wheeler, Tyler W Ten Eyck, Sara M Betzhold, Chase C Labiste, Noelle G Wright, Barry Setlow, Jennifer L Bizon
Authors:Â JCaesar M Hernandez, Abigail R Hernandez, Jessica M Hoffman, Peter H King, Lori L McMahon, Thomas W Buford, Christy Carter, Jennifer L Bizon, Sara N Burke