Dr. Hermina Nedelescu is a Romanian-born neuroscientist. Her research work is concerned with the neurobiological control of abnormal behaviors and brain functions relevant to human psychopathology. The majority of this work is directed at understanding brain mechanisms that underlie substance use and abuse disorders. Another line of research is directed at investigating the neurobiological dysregulation caused by sexual trauma-induced PTSD and substance use and abuse comorbidity.

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For her theological work, she is training with the Center for Theology and Natural Sciences at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, where she leverages her expertise in neuroscience to develop a theological anthropology based on the Christian Orthodox tradition. This research is directed toward clergy-perpetrated sexual abuse and community-based interventions for

victim-survivors of sexual assault.

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She is an instructor for Stepping Higher Inc., a faith-based organization funded by the County of San Diego Behavioral Health Services Department to teach and support clergy, pastors, and behavioral health providers who minister to people suffering from substance use disorders, substance abuse, as well as other psychological addictions or mental illnesses.

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She is actively involved in the state legislative efforts to hold criminally liable sexual abusive clergy and enablers of clergy sexual abuse.

She is the co-founder of Prosopon Healing, a resource site for Orthodox Christian victims/survivors of clergy abuse.

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In her free time, she enjoys microscope photography and drawing brain cells to share the beautiful structure and function of the brain with the general public through art exhibits.