Open to opportunities

Mónica Garcia

@mnicagarcia

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Dedicated PhD student in Chemical and Biological Sciences.

Portugal

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What I'm looking for

I am looking for opportunities that foster collaboration and innovation in research, with a focus on environmental health and sustainability.

I am a dedicated and ambitious PhD student in Chemical and Biological Sciences at the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro. My research focuses on understanding the impact of micro- and nano-plastics on health, particularly in the context of diet-related diseases. With a solid background in Biochemistry, I hold both a Bachelor's and Master's degree, and I am passionate about exploring the intricate connections between toxicology, drug development, and clinical research.

Throughout my academic journey, I have been recognized for my contributions to the field, receiving the Best Poster Award at the I International Meeting: Molecules 4 Life. My research has led to the publication of several articles, advancing scientific understanding of how emerging pollutants affect marine biodiversity. I am committed to contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals by providing critical insights into pollution and climate change.

My experience includes working with mass spectrometry platforms for lipidomic studies and conducting physiological analyses. I am eager to continue my research and collaborate with others who share my passion for advancing knowledge in the field of Chemical and Biological Sciences.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

PhD Student in Chemical and Biological Sciences

Current

University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro

Sep 2021 - Present (3 years 11 months)

Focused research on understanding the impact of micro- and nano-plastics on health, particularly in the context of diet-related diseases. Explored intricate connections between toxicology, drug development, and clinical research.

Toxicology Drug Development Clinical Research Biochemistry LC MS GC MS

PhD Student in Chemical and Biological Sciences

Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos IATA CSIC

Sep 2024 - Dec 2024 (3 months)

Conducted research as a PhD student in Chemical and Biological Sciences. Gained experience in data acquisition and analysis using mass spectrometry platforms.

Data Analysis LC MS GC MS

Visiting PhD Student

University of Aveiro

Feb 2022 - Apr 2022 (2 months)

Gained experience in data acquisition and analysis using mass spectrometry platforms, focusing on lipidomic studies with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and fatty acid profiling through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).

Data Analysis LC MS GC MS

MSc Student

University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro

Oct 2016 - Apr 2019 (2 years 6 months)

Focused master's thesis on exploring how long term aerobic training could mitigate age-related decline in hepatic function. Assessed mitochondrial and antioxidant function of liver samples from Wistar rats subjected to a life-long exercise program.

Aerobic Training Hepatic Function Mitochondrial Function Antioxidant Function Research Data Analysis

Internship Trainee

Centro Hospitalar de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro

Apr 2017 - Apr 2017 (0 months)

Followed technicians and actively participated in daily laboratory activities, including sample collection, processing, and analysis. Assisted with equipment maintenance and quality control, gaining valuable insights into the integration of clinical and laboratory work.

Equipment Maintenance Quality Control

BSc Internship

University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro

Jan 2016 - Jul 2016 (6 months)

Involved in the evaluation of toxic effects induced by treatment of different antineoplastic drugs in bladder cancer. Assessed different oxidative stress parameters in liver samples collected from Wistar rats treated with the drugs.

Toxicology Antineoplastic Drugs Bladder Cancer Oxidative Stress Liver Samples Research

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro

PhD in Chemical and Biological Sciences, Biochemistry

2021 -

Activities and societies: FCT PhD StudentShip

Currently pursuing a PhD focusing on the impact of micro- and nano-plastics on health, particularly in the context of diet-related diseases. Research involves understanding the intricate connections between toxicology, drug development, and clinical research.

University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro

MSc in Biochemistry, Biochemistry

2016 - 2018

Master's thesis focused on exploring how long-term aerobic training could mitigate age-related decline in hepatic function. This involved assessing mitochondrial and antioxidant function of liver samples from Wistar rats subjected to a life-long exercise program.

University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro

BSc in Biochemistry, Biochemistry

2013 - 2016

Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, providing a solid foundation in the field. Involved in the evaluation of toxic effects induced by different antineoplastic drugs in bladder cancer.