People

Principal Investigators 2
Fábio Pittella Silva, PhD
Fábio Pittella Silva, PhD
Principal Investigator - Labhead
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Head of the Laboratory of Molecular Pathology of Cancer at the University of Brasília. Ph.D in Molecular Pathology from the Human Genome Center, University of Tokyo (2008); M.Sc. in Medical Sciences from the University of Tokyo (2004); B.Sc. in Pharmacy and Biochemistry (Clinical Analysis) from the Federal University of Juiz de Fora (2001). At the University of Tokyo’s Human Genome Center, identified and described the genes WDRPUH, TIPUH1, and SMYD3—the first methyltransferase implicated in human carcinogenesis. Professor at the University of Brasília (since 2008), supervising master’s, doctoral, and postdoctoral trainees. Associate researcher in liquid biopsy at the Cancer Precision Medicine Center, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research (JFCR), Tokyo (since 2018). Visiting professor at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York (2014–2018), working on methyltransferase inhibitors. Expertise in molecular genetics, with focus on epigenetics, protein methyltransferases, liquid biopsy, and molecular targets for cancer diagnosis/therapy. Ad-hoc consultant to DECIT/SCTIE/MS, CNPq, FAPITEC/SE, and FAPDF; co-founder of the innovation company i.rad.Particles

  • B.Sc. in Pharmacy & Biochemistry, Federal University of Juiz de Fora (1995–2001)
  • Complementary Studies in Medical Sciences, University of Tokyo (2001–2002)
  • M.Sc. in Medical Sciences, University of Tokyo (2002–2004)
  • Ph.D. in Molecular Pathology, University of Tokyo (2004–2008)
  • Advanced Training: Semiconductor Sequencing & Digital PCR in Cancer, Université Paris Descartes – Paris V (2012)
  • Postdoctoral Research in Molecular Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (2014–2015)
Andrea Barretto Motoyama, PhD
Andrea Barretto Motoyama, PhD
Principal Investigator - Labhead
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Head of the Laboratory of Molecular Pathology of Cancer at the University of Brasília. Associate Professor IV in the Department of Pharmacy at the University of Brasília. She earned a BSc in Biological Sciences (UnB, 1997) and a PhD in Biochemistry (University of Basel, 2002). Her PhD explored signal-transduction pathways that drive cellular resistance to targeted anticancer drugs such as trastuzumab. She completed postdoctoral training at The Scripps Research Institute (RNA stability) and the Burnham Institute for Medical Research (cell-adhesion proteins and Rho-family GTPases). Her work spans cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, oncology, and pharmacology

  • BSc in Biological Sciences, University of Brasília (1997)
  • PhD in Biochemistry, University of Basel (2002)
  • Postdoctoral Fellow in RNA Stability, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla
  • Postdoctoral Fellow in Adhesion Proteins & Rho-family GTPases, Burnham Institute for Medical Research, La Jolla
Postdoctoral Fellows 2
Ana Cristina Moura Gualberto, PhD
Ana Cristina Moura Gualberto, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow
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BSc and teaching licensure in Biological Sciences from UFJF, followed by an MSc and PhD in Immunology investigating matrix metalloproteinases in breast cancer, including RNAi-based silencing. She completed a postdoc at UFJF on adipose-tissue exosomes in tumor progression and is currently a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Brasília working with CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in cancer. Her experience includes immune response, breast-cancer animal models, cell culture, molecular biology, confocal microscopy, histology and immunohistochemistry, and functional assays of migration, proliferation, and cell viability.

  • BSc and Teaching Licensure in Biological Sciences, Federal University of Juiz de Fora (2008–2012)
  • MSc in Biological Sciences (Immunology), Federal University of Juiz de Fora — focus on matrix metalloproteinases as markers of breast cancer progression (2013–2015)
  • PhD in Biological Sciences (Immunology), Federal University of Juiz de Fora — RNAi silencing of matrix metalloproteinases in breast cancer progression (2015–2019)
  • Postdoctoral Fellow, Federal University of Juiz de Fora — adipose tissue exosomes in breast cancer
  • Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Brasília, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in cancer (current)
Emãnuella Melgaço Garcez, PhD
Emãnuella Melgaço Garcez, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow
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Bachelor’s degree in Biomedicine with a specialization in Clinical Analysis from FAB, a Master’s degree in Tropical Medicine focusing on the Biology of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases from UnB, and a PhD in Genomic Sciences and Biotechnology from UCB. Her expertise includes the isolation and culture of mesenchymal stromal cells and molecular biology, with an emphasis on gene expression analysis, molecular pathways, transcriptomic analysis on NGS platforms, and the application of bioinformatics tools for omics data analysis.

  • • Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedicine, Anhanguera Faculty of Brasília (2014–2019) — Characterization of virulence mechanisms and comparison between diagnostic techniques for Cryptococcosis.
  • • Master’s Degree in Tropical Medicine, University of Brasília (2020–2022) — Effect of Trypanosoma cruzi parasitism on the paracrine immunomodulatory potential of mesenchymal stem cells.
  • • PhD in Genomic Sciences and Biotechnology, Catholic University of Brasília (2022–2026) — Evaluation of transcriptional and functional alterations of mesenchymal stromal cells associated with Trypanosoma cruzi parasitism.
  • • Postdoctoral Researcher in Medical Sciences, University of Brasília (2026) — Tissue-informed liquid biopsy for minimal residual disease detection and recurrence risk assessment in colorectal cancer (ongoing)
Technical Staff 1
Ekaly Ivoneth Porto Apangha, B.Pharm
Ekaly Ivoneth Porto Apangha, B.Pharm
Technical assistance
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Pharmacist graduated from the University of Brasília (UnB); Specialist in Cancer Care from the Escola Superior de Ciências da Saúde (ESCS). Experienced in chemotherapy compounding (antineoplastic handling), Clinical Pharmacy, Oncologic Clinical Pharmacy, Hospital Pharmacy, and Community Pharmacy

  • Specialization – Multiprofessional Residency in Cancer Care, ESCS/FEPECS (2018–2020)
  • B.Pharm. (Pharmacy), University of Brasília (2011–2016)
PhD Students 10
André Araújo de Medeiros Silva, MD
André Araújo de Medeiros Silva, MD
Coloproctologist & General Surgeon • PhD Student
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Master’s graduate and current PhD candidate in Medical Sciences at the University of Brasília, focused on the molecular pathology of colorectal cancer. Holds a Biomedicine degree (UniCEUB, 2017) and a specialization in Imaging from Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein (2019). Qualified in clinical analysis, molecular biology, and imaging. Currently works in the Radiology Department (CT unit) at Hospital Sírio-Libanês in Brasília

  • PhD Candidate in Medical Sciences, University of Brasília (2024–present)
  • MSc in Medical Sciences, University of Brasília (2021–2023)
  • Medical Residency in Coloproctology, Hospital São Rafael (2008–2010)
  • Medical Residency in Videolaparoscopy (R3 General Surgery), Hospital Geral Roberto Santos (2007–2008)
  • Medical Residency in General Surgery, Hospital Geral Clériston Andrade (2005–2007)
  • MD, Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública (1999–2004)
  • PhD Candidate in Medical Sciences (Molecular Pathology of Colorectal Cancer), University of Brasília
Flávio de Alencar Teles Barreto, MSc
Flávio de Alencar Teles Barreto, MSc
PhD Student
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Master’s graduate and current PhD candidate in Medical Sciences at the University of Brasília, focused on the molecular pathology of colorectal cancer. Holds a Biomedicine degree (UniCEUB, 2017) and a specialization in Imaging from Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein (2019). Qualified in clinical analysis, molecular biology, and imaging. Currently works in the Radiology Department (CT unit) at Hospital Sírio-Libanês in Brasília

  • BSc in Biomedicine, Centro Universitário de Brasília (2017)
  • Postgraduate Specialization in Imaging (Imagenologia), Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein (2019)
  • MSc in Medical Sciences (Molecular Pathology of Colorectal Cancer), University of Brasília
  • PhD Candidate in Medical Sciences (Molecular Pathology of Colorectal Cancer), University of Brasília
Brunna Letícia Oliveira Santana, MSc
Brunna Letícia Oliveira Santana, MSc
PhD Student
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Biologist with an MSc in Medical Sciences focused on cancer epigenetics, now a PhD candidate at the University of Brasília investigating lysine methyltransferase knockouts to identify molecular and therapeutic biomarkers for acute lymphoblastic leukemia

  • BSc in Biological Sciences (Bachelor), Universidade Paulista – Brasília (2019)
  • MSc in Medical Sciences (Cancer Epigenetics), University of Brasília (2022–2024)
  • PhD Candidate in Medical Sciences, University of Brasília — Lysine methyltransferase gene knockouts as potential molecular and therapeutic biomarkers for acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Matheus de Oliveira Andrade, MD
Matheus de Oliveira Andrade, MD
Clinical Oncologist • PhD Student
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MD graduated from the University of Brasília (UnB), with an exchange program in Biomedical Sciences at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL). Fellowship in Internal Medicine at HCFMRP-USP and in Medical Oncology at ICESP-FMUSP. Currently, he is a clinical oncologist at Rede Américas in Brasília (Hospital Brasília Lago Sul) and a PhD candidate in Medical Sciences at the University of Brasília, focusing on liquid biopsy in colorectal cancer.

  • PhD Candidate in Medical Sciences, University of Brasília (2025–present)
  • Medical Residency in Medical Oncology, ICESP – FMUSP (2022–2025)
  • Medical Residency in Internal Medicine, HCFMRP–USP (2020–2022)
  • Exchange/Advanced Training in Biomedical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London (2014–2015)
  • MD, University of Brasília (2011–2018)
Larissa Campos, MD
Larissa Campos, MD
Clinical Oncologist • PhD Student
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Larissa is a medical oncologist with more than 15 years of clinical experience and currently serves as Head of the Medical Coordination of the Oncology Service at the Brasília Military Area Hospital (HMAB), part of the Brazilian Army. She is a PhD candidate in Medical Sciences, with a focus on Oncology, at the University of Brasília (UnB), where she conducts research on circulating microRNAs as liquid biopsy biomarkers in breast cancer. Her career combines clinical and scientific excellence. She founded three chemotherapy infusion centers and currently leads a multidisciplinary team providing comprehensive oncology care to patients. In 2025, she published an integrative review on microRNA expression in patients with breast cancer in the Journal of Surgical Oncology. Her article, Molecular Subtypes and Treatment Modalities in Breast Cancer in a Brazilian Military Hospital: An Observational Study, has recently been accepted for publication in BioMed Research International. Certified in Good Clinical Practice (GCP – ICH E6(R3)), she bridges medical practice and translational research, with the goal of bringing liquid biopsy into clinical practice and contributing to the early detection and monitoring of breast cancer. Fluent in English, she seeks to combine cutting-edge science with compassionate, patient-centered care throughout her career.

  • MD, Medicine — Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO), 2003
  • Medical Residency in Internal Medicine — UNIRIO, 2004–2006
  • Postgraduate Specialization in Clinical Oncology — Brazilian Army Central Hospital, 2013–2016
  • Postgraduate Specialization in Military Sciences — Brazilian Army School of Health, 2011
  • Postgraduate Specialization in Military Sciences / Officers’ Advanced Training — Officers’ Improvement School, 2020–2021
  • • PhD in Medical Sciences (Oncology and Molecular Biology Applied to Medicine) — University of Brasília (UnB), ongoing since 2022
Mayra Veloso Ayrimoraes Soares, MD
Mayra Veloso Ayrimoraes Soares, MD
Radiologist • PhD Student
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MD graduated from the University of Brasília (UnB, 1999), Physician–radiologist with residency training in Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging at Hospital de Base do Distrito Federal (2001–2003). Supervisor of the Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging Residency Program at the University of Brasília. Radiologist at Hospital Sírio-Libanês (Brasília-DF) and at Exame/DASA-DF. Holds an MBA in Management of Clinics, Hospitals and Health Services (FGV, Brasília) and is currently a PhD candidate in Medical Sciences at the University of Brasília

  • PhD Candidate in Medical Sciences, University of Brasília (2022–present)
  • Medical Residency in Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging (R3 optional year), Hospital de Base do Distrito Federal – HBDF (2003–2004)
  • Medical Residency in Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging, Hospital de Base do Distrito Federal – HBDF (2001–2003)
  • Lato Sensu Specialization in Medical Residency Preceptorship (SUS), Hospital Sírio-Libanês (2015–2016)
  • MD, University of Brasília (1993–1999)
Larissa Fernanda Campos Moreira da Silva, MD
Larissa Fernanda Campos Moreira da Silva, MD
Clinical Oncologist • PhD Student
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Graduated in Medicine from the Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (2003), with residencies in Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology. Currently heads the Oncology Department at the Brasília Military Area Hospital, with managerial and attending responsibilities. Leads the lung-cancer screening project across military hospitals in the Federal District and serves as regional lead for Clinical Oncology in military hospitals of Brazil’s Midwest. Serves on the Brazilian Army’s Technical Chamber of Oncology, with responsibility for breast, skin, and tumor-agnostic indications. Practices as a medical oncologist at Oncologia Alvorada (Américas group). From 2020 to June 2025, served at Oncologia Santa Marta as medical coordinator, leading care pathways and the lung-cancer screening protocol. Pursuing a PhD in Medical Sciences (oncology and molecular biology applied to medicine) at the University of Brasília. Thesis: “Plasma expression of miRNAs: miRNA-145-5p, miRNA-145-3p2, miRNA-155, miR-21, miR-10b, and let-7 in patients with breast cancer. Established three infusion centers: two military (Military Area Hospital of Recife and Military Area Hospital of Brasília) and one civilian intra-hospital center at Hospital Santa Marta (Oncologia Santa Marta). Previous experience includes attending physician at Hospital Rios D’or, preceptor for the Internal Medicine residency at Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Campo Grande, faculty in Medical Skills at the University for the Development of the State and the Pantanal Region, and clinical roles at the Brazilian Army Central Hospital and other oncology reference institutions. Extensive background in service management, creation of infusion centers, clinical research, implementation of care pathways, and delivery of both outpatient and inpatient oncology care.

  • PhD Candidate in Medical Sciences, University of Brasília (2022–present)
  • Master's Candidate in Medical Sciences, University of Brasília (2022–present)
  • Medical Residency in Internal Medicine, UNIRIO (2004)
  • Specialization in Military Sciences (Officer Improvement Course), ESAO (2020–2021)
  • Postgraduate Specialization in Clinical Oncology, Hospital Central do Exército (2013–2016)
  • Lato Sensu Postgraduate in Military Sciences, Escola de Saúde do Exército (2011)
  • MD (Medicine), UNIRIO (1997–2003)
Ísis de Araujo Oliveira Nakashoji, MSc
Ísis de Araujo Oliveira Nakashoji, MSc
PhD Student
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Holds a B.Sc. in Pharmacy (University of Brasília, 2018), a Specialization in Clinical Analysis and an M.Sc. in Medical Sciences (University of Brasília, 2021). Currently a PhD candidate in Medical Sciences at the University of Brasília, evaluating the impact of HPV vaccination among women treated in Brazil’s public health system (SUS). Works as a biochemical pharmacist with the Federal District Health Department, in hospital pharmacy. Experience spans Molecular Biology, Cytopathology, Cancer Cells, Immunohistochemistry, and Hospital Pharmacy.

  • PhD Candidate in Medical Sciences, University of Brasília (2021–present)
  • M.Sc. in Medical Sciences, University of Brasília (2019–2021)
  • Lato Sensu Postgraduate Specialization in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Curante Cursos Educacional (2022–2024)
  • Specialization in Clinical Analysis, Universidade Paulista – UNIP (2019)
  • B.Sc. in Pharmacy, University of Brasília (2014–2018)
Mariana Braccialli de Loyola, MSc
Mariana Braccialli de Loyola, MSc
PhD Student
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Pharmacist graduated from the University of Brasília (UnB). Holds a master’s degree from the Graduate Program in Medical Sciences at the same institution. She is currently a PhD candidate in the Graduate Program in Medical Sciences at the University of Brasília, under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Fabio Pittella. She works in the Laboratory of Molecular Pathology of Cancer, conducting research in the field of cancer molecular biology. During her master’s studies, she investigated the role of methyltransferases in the context of acute lymphoblastic leukemia development. In her PhD, she is developing the project Functional Evaluation of PSMA in Advanced Prostate Cancer Using CRISPR/Cas9 Models: Metabolic and Angiogenic Implications, with a focus on the functional characterization of PSMA and its effects on tumor metabolism and angiogenesis.

  • Master’s in Medical Sciences, University of Brasília (2025)
  • B.Pharm. (Pharmacy), University of Brasília (2017–2023)
Lara De Souza Moreno, MD
Lara De Souza Moreno, MD
Radiologist • PhD Student
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Holds a medical degree from the Catholic University of Brasília (2020). Residency in Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging at the University Hospital of Brasília (2025). Master’s in Medical Sciences from the University of Brasília (2024). Internal Medicine fellow at the DFSTAR Radiology Service – Rede D’Or.

  • Master’s Candidate in Medical Sciences, University of Brasília (2024–2026)
  • Medical Residency in Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging, University Hospital of Brasília / Ebserh (2022–2025)
  • Fellowship in Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging (Internal Medicine), Hospital DF Star – Rede D’Or (2025–present)
  • M.D., Catholic University of Brasília (2014–2020)
MSc Students 4
Samara Theodoro Pacheco, MD
Samara Theodoro Pacheco, MD
Clinical Oncologist • MSc Student
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Medical oncologist with clinical oncology experience in both public and private sectors, with expertise in managing solid tumors, particularly gastrointestinal, gynecological, neuroendocrine, head and neck, and lung neoplasms. Medical degree from the School of Health Sciences (ESCS), with residency in Internal Medicine from Hospital de Base de São José do Rio Preto/FAMERP and residency in Clinical Oncology from AC Camargo Cancer Center. Currently works as a clinical oncologist at Rede D'Or, participating in outpatient and hospital care. Clinical research experience and sub-investigator of national and international multicenter studies, with participation in clinical trials involving new oncological therapies.

  • Master's in Medical Sciences, University of Brasília (current)
  • Clinical Oncologist, Rede D'Or
  • Medical Residency in Clinical Oncology, AC Camargo Cancer Center
  • Medical Residency in Internal Medicine, Hospital de Base de São José do Rio Preto/FAMERP
  • MD, School of Health Sciences – ESCS
Debora Rodrigues Silveira, B.Pharm
Debora Rodrigues Silveira, B.Pharm
MSc Student
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Bachelor in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of Brasília (UnB), with experience in clinical research and cancer molecular genetics, plus internships across multiple levels of healthcare. Professional experience at ANVISA and participation in outreach projects and academic events, developing skills in health surveillance, health education, and scientific organization. Training is complemented by courses in pharmacotherapy, public policy, and public health. Interests include research, innovation, and qualified practice in biomedical sciences, genetics, and molecular biology.

  • M.Sc. Candidate in Medical Sciences, University of Brasília (2025–present)
  • B.Sc. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Brasília (2018–2024)
Wladimir Fernandes Bezerra, MD
Wladimir Fernandes Bezerra, MD
Surgical Oncologist • MSc Student
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MD graduated from the University of Brasília (UnB). Completed residency training in General Surgery at the Escola Superior de Ciências da Saúde (ESCS) and in Surgical Oncology at the Hospital de Base do Distrito Federal (HBDF), where he currently works as a surgical oncologist. Has a clinical focus on gastrointestinal tract malignancies. Currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Molecular Pathology at the University of Brasília, with research focused on the perioperative dynamics of circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) as a liquid biopsy tool in patients undergoing surgery for gastric cancer.

  • MD, University of Brasília (UnB)
  • Residency in General Surgery, Escola Superior de Ciências da Saúde (ESCS)
  • Residency in Surgical Oncology, Hospital de Base do Distrito Federal (HBDF)
Daniel dos Santos Ramos, B.Pharm
Daniel dos Santos Ramos, B.Pharm
MSc Student
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Holds a B.Pharm. from the Euro-American Institute of Education, Science and Technology (2013) and a postgraduate specialization in Forensic Sciences from UniLS. Currently a Master’s student in the Graduate Program in Nanoscience and Nanobiotechnology at the University of Brasília (UnB). Served as a Public Policy and Educational Management Analyst at the Federal District Department of Education (2010–2022). Now works as a pharmacist and Responsible Technical Officer of the Green Nanotechnology Laboratory (NAVE), affiliated with the School of Health Sciences and Technologies at the University of Brasília, Ceilândia campus (FCTS/UnB)

  • Master’s Candidate in Nanoscience and Nanobiotechnology, University of Brasília (2025–present)
  • Specialization in Forensic Sciences, UniLS (2016–2017)
  • B.Pharm. (Pharmacy), Euro-American Institute of Education, Science and Technology – EUROAM (2009–2013)
Undergraduate Students 6
João Augusto Pacheco da Cruz
João Augusto Pacheco da Cruz
Undergraduate Student
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Pharmacy graduate from the University of Brasília (UnB), with research experience in molecular biology, encompassing proteomics, genomics, and evaluation of endocrine disruptors in animal models.

  • Pharmacy, University of Brasília (current)
Luca Rodrigues Foggia
Luca Rodrigues Foggia
Undergraduate Student
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Undergraduate student in Medicine at the University of Brasília (UnB), currently in the 4th semester. Working with liquid biopsy in esophageal cancer. Interested in medical innovation and molecular oncology.

  • Undergraduate student in Medicine, University of Brasília (2025–present).
Mariana Guimarães Sousa
Mariana Guimarães Sousa
Undergraduate Student
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I am a Pharmacy student at the University of Brasília (UnB), on the Darcy Ribeiro campus. I am currently doing an internship with Professor Andrea, but I have previously interned at the Institute of Biology (IB), where I assisted in experiments involving the application of nanoparticles to melanoma cells.

  • Pharmacy - University Of Brasilia (current)
Priscila de Medeiros Vergara
Priscila de Medeiros Vergara
Undergraduate Student
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Pharmacy student at the University of Brasília (UnB) (2022–present). Conducts research in microbiology at the Enzymology Laboratory of UnB, working with microorganism cultivation, DNA extraction, and analysis of experimental results.

  • B.Sc. student in Pharmacy, University of Brasília (2022–present)
Alvaro Reis de Oliveira Queiroz
Alvaro Reis de Oliveira Queiroz
Undergraduate Student
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Bachelor’s student in Pharmacy at the University of Brasília (UnB). Experienced with coordination chemistry and applications to biological systems. Working with the generation of stable Cas9-EGFP cancer cell lines, using the Tet-On system.

  • B.Sc. student in Pharmacy, University of Brasília (2019–present)
Gabriel da Silva Macêdo
Gabriel da Silva Macêdo
Undergraduate Student
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Undergraduate student in Pharmacy at the University of Brasília (UnB), currently in the 6th semester. Interested in research in the fields of molecular biology and genetics, with an emphasis on applications related to human health. Intends to continue academic training through undergraduate research programs and graduate studies.

  • B.Sc. student in Pharmacy, University of Brasília (2019–present)

Lab Alumni

Former members of the Laboratory of Molecular Pathology of Cancer.

Postdoctoral Fellows 4
Ph.D. 2
M.Sc. 12
PIBIC 35