Vivian Paixão

Developed and automated Nextflow pipelines for genomic, metagenomic, and metatranscriptomic analysis of plant-associated microbial communities. Recovered and characterized metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) and integrated metagenomic and metatranscriptomic datasets to identify candidate genes.

Developed computational strategies for the identification and characterization of molecular candidates. Applied protein modeling, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics to investigate protein–ligand interactions and developed a Python-based tool for processing and ranking docking results.

Contributed to large-scale molecular diagnostics (RT-qPCR) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Performed RNA extraction, clinical sample processing, and interpretation of diagnostic results within quality-controlled, high-throughput clinical workflows.

Contributed to development of a qPCR diagnostic assay for hepatitis D virus (HDV). Performed sequence analysis using biological databases and BioEdit, including sequence editing and alignment, and gained experience in gel electrophoresis and viral culture.

Investigated the interaction between the environmental fungus Cryptococcus gattii and plant models. Analyzed phenotypic and physiological traits of recovered fungal isolates, including growth, ergosterol content, and virulence-associated characteristics, applying statistical analysis and data visualization.

MSc in Bioinformatics from Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, focusing on computational strategies for molecular candidate identification and characterization.

BSc in Biological Sciences from Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, with laboratory experience in microbiology and molecular biology.