Varinia Acosta, DVM
Resident, Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine (ULAM)
Profile
Dr. Acosta received her bachelor’s degree in Physics and General Science from the Portland State University and completed her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine at Oregon State University.
She was first introduced to laboratory animal medicine while participating in a biomedical summer research training program during veterinary school. As part of the program, she worked in a neuroscience laboratory investigating age-related memory decline.
She has experience in small animal private practice, shelter medicine, and comparative medicine. In addition to her clinical work, she served as President of the Lane County Veterinary Medical Association.
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Dr. Acosta’s research interests include advancing animal welfare through evidence-based strategies and supporting translational research that improves the quality and relevance of animal models for human and veterinary medicine.
Professional Background
- DVM, Oregon State University, 2015
- BS in Physics and General Science, 2006
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS
Zamzow, D. R., Elias, V., Acosta, V. A., Escobedo, E., & Magnusson, K. R. (2019). Higher levels of protein palmitoylation in the frontal cortex across aging were associated with reference memory and executive function declines. eNeuro, 6(1), Article ENEURO.0310-18.2019. https://doi.org/10.1523/ENEURO.0310-18.2019
Zamzow, D. R., Elias, V., Acosta, V. A., Escobedo, E., & Magnusson, K. R. (2016). Higher levels of phosphorylated Y1472 on GluN2B subunits in the frontal cortex of aged mice are associated with good spatial reference memory, but not cognitive flexibility. Age, 38(3), 50. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11357-016-9913-2