BRUNA BELLAVER
My Personal Page
Scientific Interests
I am a Pharmacist from Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS). I have a Master´s degree in Biological Sciences, focusing on astrocyte functionality during aging. After, during my Ph.D., I studied the connection between astrocytes and peripheral mediators of inflammation in the context of sepsis. I also had the privilege to participate in a one year exchange student program at University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia - USA. During this year I investigated mediators involved in the regulation of leptin expression by β-adrenergic signaling in adipocytes. I describe this year as a life-changing experience, because it helped me to develop valuable skills as a researcher. Additionally, I have experience working with molecular biology, biochemical assays, primary cell culture, cerebral energetic metabolism and oxidative stress. Currently, I am a post-doc at the Zimmer Lab and my project is focused on investigating the crosstalk between astrocytes and adipose tissue in the regulation of leptin signaling.
Non-Science Biography
I am from a small city in the south of Brazil, but I have been living in Porto Alegre since I started classes at the School of Pharmacy in 2008. I really love practicing sports: volleyball, soccer, basketball - any kind! Although nowadays I have less time to play than I would like. I also like travelling around, I am curious about knowing other countries history and culture. Finally, I always consider hanging out with my friend in a bar as a good way to spend my free time.
BRUNA BELLAVER
My Personal Page
Scientific Interests
I am a Pharmacist from Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS). I have a Master´s degree in Biological Sciences, focusing on astrocyte functionality during aging. After, during my Ph.D., I studied the connection between astrocytes and peripheral mediators of inflammation in the context of sepsis. I also had the privilege to participate in a one year exchange student program at University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia - USA. During this year I investigated mediators involved in the regulation of leptin expression by β-adrenergic signaling in adipocytes. I describe this year as a life-changing experience, because it helped me to develop valuable skills as a researcher. Additionally, I have experience working with molecular biology, biochemical assays, primary cell culture, cerebral energetic metabolism and oxidative stress. Currently, I am a post-doc at the Zimmer Lab and my project is focused on investigating the crosstalk between astrocytes and adipose tissue in the regulation of leptin signaling.
Non-Science Biography
I am from a small city in the south of Brazil, but I have been living in Porto Alegre since I started classes at the School of Pharmacy in 2008. I really love practicing sports: volleyball, soccer, basketball - any kind! Although nowadays I have less time to play than I would like. I also like travelling around, I am curious about knowing other countries history and culture. Finally, I always consider hanging out with my friend in a bar as a good way to spend my free time.
BRUNA BELLAVER
My Personal Page
Scientific Interests
I am a Pharmacist from Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS). I have a Master´s degree in Biological Sciences, focusing on astrocyte functionality during aging. After, during my Ph.D., I studied the connection between astrocytes and peripheral mediators of inflammation in the context of sepsis. I also had the privilege to participate in a one year exchange student program at University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia - USA. During this year I investigated mediators involved in the regulation of leptin expression by β-adrenergic signaling in adipocytes. I describe this year as a life-changing experience, because it helped me to develop valuable skills as a researcher. Additionally, I have experience working with molecular biology, biochemical assays, primary cell culture, cerebral energetic metabolism and oxidative stress. Currently, I am a post-doc at the Zimmer Lab and my project is focused on investigating the crosstalk between astrocytes and adipose tissue in the regulation of leptin signaling.
Non-Science Biography
I am from a small city in the south of Brazil, but I have been living in Porto Alegre since I started classes at the School of Pharmacy in 2008. I really love practicing sports: volleyball, soccer, basketball - any kind! Although nowadays I have less time to play than I would like. I also like travelling around, I am curious about knowing other countries history and culture. Finally, I always consider hanging out with my friend in a bar as a good way to spend my free time.
Wagner brum
My Personal Page
Scientific Interests
I attended Fundação Liberato, an industry-focused High School, where I graduated as a Chemistry Technician. The institution is a reference when it comes to pre-college science not only for the projects there developed, but also for the fact that they organize MOSTRATEC, Latin America's biggest High School science fair. At this place, I developed two original Biotechnology projects along with two friends of mine, under the supervision of Carla Ruschel, a member of the school's faculty, and William Lopes, a school alumnus and PhD candidate at UFRGS. At first, we tried to develop an alternative cellulose Kraft pulp bleaching method, using laccase, a fungi-secreted polyphenol oxidase, combined to a redox mediator. Later, we developed a biotechnological process of aluminum anodizing, using a Bacillus cereus bacteria suspension with a very small electrical current, in order to induce the microbial action over the specimens to be coated. During this period, I also participated on several science fairs and olympiads. After finishing school, I worked for half a year as an intern in a clinical analysis lab at the Microbiology section, running all sorts of routine techniques, and at the Molecular Biology section, where I worked running Real-time PCR. I entered Medical School in 2018 at UFRGS and promptly got involved with this amazing lab. Currently, the development and validation of AD biomarkers in peripheral fluids and multivariate analysis models to detect and assess progression of this disease are my main interest. I'm also studying how the human brain's metabolic architecture is remodeled and affected by AD pathology.
Non-Science Biography
I was born and raised in Novo Hamburgo, a medium-sized town, and I left home to live in Porto Alegre when I started my prep course to get into Medical school. Throughout life, I've always enjoyed getting involved with many things and activities, scientific or not. During High School, I took part in a lot of gincanas (a sort of pep rally thing, but more diverse), in which I used to solve enigmas and play drums in the band. I was also a Youth Ambassador at the Partners of the Americas organization, a one-year leadership program that involved an exchange period in Muncie, Indiana, where I attended Ball State University's Burris Lab School. I'm really into music and I am always in search of new and different artists to listen to. Whenever I can, I try to read some literature to escape the daily routine and to avoid becoming a strictly science-focused person. I really appreciate grabbing a beer with my friends and getting together with my family for the traditional weekend meals, when we play board games like Rummikub. Also, I find it very curious how people are so certain about everything.