The Zanos Lab is delighted to share that Dr. Polymnia Louka, our Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow, delivered an engaging talk at the European University Cyprus (EUC) Annual Conference. Invited to address students and faculty, Dr. Louka discussed her journey to securing the prestigious and competitive Marie Curie Fellowship, as well as her innovative research exploring the effects of ketamine and other putative fast-acting antidepressants on depression-related bone health issues.

Her presentation highlighted the dedication and interdisciplinary approach that led to her success, inspiring students with a real-world example of perseverance in scientific research. Her talk also introduced her research project, which investigates how major depressive disorder contributes to bone health deterioration, such as increased risks of osteoporosis and fractures. Dr. Louka is studying whether rapid-acting antidepressants, specifically ketamine and its metabolites, can mitigate these bone impairments. She also explores the potential of combining ketamine with other agents to enhance therapeutic outcomes.

The conference provided an ideal platform for Dr. Louka to connect with a diverse audience. Her presentation captivated students and faculty, leading to a lively discussion session. Her collaborative efforts with the University of Cyprus and the Royal Veterinary College underscored the value of interdisciplinary research, motivating attendees to consider innovative approaches to complex health challenges.

We congratulate Dr. Louka on her successful talk and look forward to sharing more updates on her research, which holds promise for improving care for patients with depression and related conditions.

For more information about Dr. Louka’s work or the Zanos Lab, please contact us.