I received my Ph.D. from the University of Belgrade, Republic of Serbia in 2017 where I studied early markers of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in the brain of the transgenic hSOD1 G93A rat model for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. As a post-doctoral fellow in the Shih Lab, I am using in vivo multiphoton imaging techniques to study the structural and functional properties of microvascular networks perfusing cortical gray matter and superficial white matter tracts in the mouse brain, as well as how they are affected by normal aging. I am particularly interested in  Principal Cortical Venules, which are exclusively responsible for draining the deep grey and white matter regions of the cortex. I am also studying how Alzheimer’s disease pathology affects the vascular networks draining into these venules, and how this is correlated with white matter degeneration during disease progression. Outside of the lab, I enjoy reading epic and science fiction novels, playing boardgames, and when the opportunity arises, practicing historical European swordplay.

Stefan.Stamenkovic@SeattleChildrens.org