Margarida Carreira

Ran participants through experimental protocols examining stress, decision-making, and anxiety in educational contexts. Investigated how behavioral and biological responsiveness to social stimuli influences neuroendocrine stress reactivity. Supported the design and implementation of studies focused on cooperation, classroom anxiety, and individual differences.

Assisted with projects focused on emotion regulation, self-injury, mood disorders, and close relationship dynamics. Coded and analyzed qualitative data from Reddit to study online emotional support and coping. Participated in weekly journal clubs on affective science, Ecological Momentary Assessment, and intervention research.

Assisted with projects focused on emotion regulation, self-injury, mood disorders, and close relationship dynamics. Coded and analyzed qualitative data from Reddit’s “Make Me Feel Better” thread to study online emotional support and coping. Participated in weekly journal clubs on affective science, Ecological Momentary Assessment, and intervention research.

Ran participants through experimental protocols examining stress, decision-making, and anxiety in educational contexts. Investigated how behavioral and biological responsiveness to social stimuli influences neuroendocrine stress reactivity. Supported the design and implementation of studies focused on cooperation, classroom anxiety, and individual differences.

Provided peer support, conflict mediation, and crisis intervention for over 30 residential students. Designed community programming focused on mental health, sleep, and digital wellbeing. Collaborated with health and wellness offices to promote inclusive living environments and foster a supportive community.

Provided peer support, conflict mediation, and crisis intervention for over 30 residential students. Designed community programming focused on mental health, sleep, and digital wellbeing. Collaborated with health and wellness offices to promote inclusive living environments and foster a supportive community.

Supported elderly community members through companionship activities and engaged children in play-based learning and emotional support. Organized and led fundraising initiatives and community events serving under-resourced populations. Assisted individuals experiencing homelessness by delivering meals and providing emotional support, and coordinated grocery distribution during the COVID-19 pandemi

Supported elderly community members through companionship activities and engaged children in play-based learning. Organized fundraising initiatives and community events for under-resourced populations. Assisted individuals experiencing homelessness and coordinated grocery distribution to vulnerable families during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mentored students in primary literature search, scientific writing, and poster presentations. Coached three students through journal club preparation and research communication. Facilitated academic development and skill-building for neuroscience students.

Conducted neuroanatomical analysis focusing on BNST structures and assisted stereotaxic surgeries. Performed transcardial perfusions, subcutaneous injections, immunofluorescence imaging, and confocal microscopy. Utilized FIJI (ImageJ) and Neurolucida to analyze neural colocalization patterns linked to fear and anxiety circuits.

Conducted neuroanatomical analysis focusing on BNST structures and assisted stereotaxic surgeries. Performed transcardial perfusions, subcutaneous injections, immunofluorescence imaging, and confocal microscopy. Utilized FIJI (ImageJ) and Neurolucida to analyze neural colocalization patterns linked to fear and anxiety circuits.

Developed a Keystone Project at RFUMS over 12 weeks, gaining practical research experience. Learned about social determinants in healthcare through integrated liberal arts and STEM programming.

Designed mock experiments and analyzed data using SPSS for research methods. Performed PCR and gel electrophoresis to analyze DNA sequences. Carried out experimental analyses on bonding, equilibrium, and kinetics, and investigated homeostasis and physiological regulation in multicellular organisms.

Mentored students in primary literature search, scientific writing, and poster presentations. Coached three students through journal club preparation and research communication.

Grade: Dean’s List (3.6+ GPA)

Activities and societies: Research Assistant - Social Stress & Decision-Making Lab, Research Assistant - Emotion Regulation Lab, Neuroscience Research Intern - Summer Research Scholar, Resident Assistant, Peer Mentor – NEUR 128/130, Health Professions Program Scholar

Pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Neuroscience and Psychology. Relevant coursework includes Research Methods and Statistics, Psychopathology and Clinical Science, and Brain to Behavior. Expected to graduate in May 2026.