Catia Nascimento

Contributed to the development and maintenance of clinical bioinformatics pipelines, ensuring their documentation, validation, and verification. Investigated and resolved complex bioinformatics issues, communicating findings to technical, scientific, and clinical staff.

Developed a pipeline for detecting vectors and parasites from mixed mosquito pools, focusing on creating a streamlined and accessible method for low-resource settings. Conducted analysis of targeted and whole genome sequencing for species identification and molecular markers of antimalarial resistance.

Provided real-time translation services during research collaborator partner meetings, facilitating communication between Portuguese and English speakers. Supported the ECLIPSE Project by ensuring clear and effective cross-cultural dialogue.

Served as a teaching assistant for Master's Case Base Learning sessions in Infectious Diseases and Medical Microbiology. Demonstrated laboratory techniques in Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences modules, and supervised undergraduate and Master's students.

Conducted COVID screening for students and staff using lateral flow tests. Ensured accurate and timely testing to support public health initiatives on campus.

Managed a phlebotomy centre, including the recruitment and training of new biomedical scientists. Provided support for accountancy operations within the centre.

Focused on epidemiology and global studies within tropical health, with core disciplines in Public Health and Microbiology. Completed a thesis on Phosphodiesterase as a therapeutic target for Plasmodium falciparum, characterizing antimalarial activity of new compounds.

Performed routine laboratory analysis across haematology, clinical chemistry, and microbiology departments. Conducted internal and external quality control analysis to ensure accuracy and reliability of results, and performed phlebotomy.

Activities and societies: Postgraduate student representative, Poster presentation at London Calling - Oxford Nanopore Technologies 2022, Postgraduate conference presentation at Keele University 2023, Scientific seminar presentation at Keele University 2023

Completed a Doctorate in Biomedical Sciences with a focus on Genomics, specifically in vector and pathogen surveillance. The thesis evaluated Oxford Nanopore Technologies MinION sequencer for interrogating mosquito pools from surveillance systems. This involved analyzing targeted and whole genome sequencing for species identification and molecular markers of antimalarial resistance.

Activities and societies: Postgraduate student representative

Undertook a Master of Science in Tropical Health, focusing on epidemiology and global studies related to tropical health, with core disciplines in Public Health and Microbiology. The thesis explored phosphodiesterase as a therapeutic target for Plasmodium falciparum, characterizing the antimalarial activity of new compounds.

Completed a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Analysis and Public Health. This program provided foundational knowledge in laboratory analysis and public health principles.