Professor Romanova received her undergraduate degree in Biology from Belarusian State University (Minsk, Belarus) and her PhD in Chemistry from University of Illinois (with Jonathan Sweedler, 2005). She then joined a newly established, NIDA funded, Neuroproteomics & Neurometabolomics Center on Cell-Cell Signaling to lead the development and validation of customized cutting-edge technological solutions for investigation of neurochemical changes in the brain resulted from drug abuse and addiction. Currently, Professor Romanova continues supporting expanded national and international neuroscience communities of the Center by coordinating and overseeing multidisciplinary, collaborative user projects on intricacies of intercellular communication. She joined the faculty of the Department of Chemistry at UIUC as Research Assistant Professor in January 2019.

Overall direction of research is bioanalytical chemistry with emphasis on microanalysis, mass spectrometry and liquid separation techniques for measurement and characterization of biomolecules and/or drugs in nervous and neuroendocrine systems. Specific approaches include but not limited to high throughput peptidomics, direct single cell and tissue chemical profiling by mass spectrometry, differential quantitative assessment of neurochemical changes under pathophysiological conditions or environmental challenges, and mass spectrometry imaging, all with the use of relevant bioinformatics tools. The overarching goal of research is to gain insights into molecular basis of complex physiological responses in various animal models that play critical roles in fundamental or translational research and, respectively, in advancement of human health. 

Department of Chemistry
2255 Beckman Institute, MC-251
405 N. Mathews Avenue
Urbana, IL 61801

(217) 300-1932