Dr. Cernak is an M.D. with a Masters in Biomedical Engineering (M.E.), professional specialization (residency) in Clinical Pathophysiology, and a Ph.D. in Neuroscience. Her extensive publication track record, which includes more than 100 articles in peer-reviewed journals and over 100 presentations at professional meetings, illustrates her broad experience in medical research.

Dr. Cernak has broad multidisciplinary expertise and training in experimental Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. She has 20 years experience in both clinical and experimental blast injury research, as well as clinical management of blast injured patients. Moreover, her clinical and experimental research includes physiological/pharmacological approaches improving survivability, sustainment and performance of military population. Dr. Cernak research interests also incorporate traumatic brain injury of various etiology; mechanisms of trauma-induced neuronal cell death, inflammation and regeneration following CNS injury; and novel pharmacological approaches targeting the key mechanisms underlying post-traumatic neurological deficits.

Dr. Cernak has been recognized as one of the world's authorities on explosion-induced neurotrauma, and as such has been invited to present at various international forums. At numerous occasions, she was plenary lecturer and session chair at Neurotrauma and Military Medicine meetings. She is currently employed at the Applied Physics Laboratory of the Johns Hopkins University (Laurel, MD).