Dr Ana da Silva | Toxicology and Immunology | Best Researcher Award

Invited Auxiliary Researcher at University of Coimbra,Portugal

Ana Cristina Rosa da Silva (ACS) is an accomplished researcher with a focus on neurodegenerative diseases, toxicology, and immunology. With over a decade of scientific expertise, ACS has worked extensively on inflammation and oxidative stress signaling pathways. Her research has significantly contributed to Alzheimer’s disease treatment, particularly through studying the therapeutic potential of electrophilic skin sensitizers and Nrf2 activators. ACS has received prestigious international grants and national funding for her projects and continues to lead innovative studies in her field. 🌟

Profile

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Early Academic Pursuits 📚

Ana Cristina Rosa da Silva (ACS) embarked on her academic journey at the University of Évora, where she completed a Bachelor’s degree in Biology in 2001. Her fascination with the biological sciences deepened as she pursued a Master’s degree in Cell Biology at the University of Coimbra in 2007. ACS’s academic foundation was built upon neurodegenerative diseases, neurogenesis, and neuronal differentiation, with her research heavily involving cell lines, primary-derived neuronal stem cell cultures, and animal models. In 2013, she achieved her PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Coimbra, where her thesis explored the role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and mitochondrial function in Huntington’s disease, highlighting her profound expertise in molecular biology and biochemistry.

Professional Endeavors 🌍

Over the past decade, ACS has significantly contributed to the fields of toxicology, immunology, and the study of inflammation and oxidative stress signaling pathways. Her professional trajectory has seen her actively participate in 15 funded research projects, with increasing responsibilities, including roles as a contracted researcher, fellow researcher, and team member. ACS is currently leading two projects, including one focused on the therapeutic potential of electrophilic skin sensitizers and Nrf2 activators for Alzheimer’s disease treatment.

In addition to her research, ACS has held various academic and professional positions, including as a postdoc fellow at Toxfinder Lda (2014-2015) and as a contracted researcher at the University of Coimbra’s Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology. Her teaching career spans over 20 years, where she has contributed significantly to mentoring both undergraduate and graduate students and supervising master theses.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

ACS’s research has been at the forefront of studying the biological actions and potential therapeutic applications of skin sensitizers and Nrf2 activators in Alzheimer’s disease. Her expertise in inflammation, oxidative stress, and toxicology has led to numerous publications in prestigious Q1 journals. ACS has authored 32 articles, with seven as the first author and four as the corresponding author. Additionally, her work extends to provisional patent applications and contributions to international patents, further illustrating her commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and its practical applications.

Her recent work involves investigating the toxicity and sensitizing potential of natural substances like cork powder, as well as exploring the therapeutic properties of thermal waters in dermocosmetic applications. With a track record of more than 50 national and international presentations, ACS continues to push boundaries in her research endeavors.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

ACS’s scientific achievements have been recognized with several prestigious awards and funding, including the highly competitive Colgate-Palmolive Grant for Alternative Research in 2022. She has also secured private national funding for projects focusing on inflammation. With an H-index of 13 and over 300 citations, ACS has cemented her position as a respected scientist in the realms of neurobiology, toxicology, and immunology. Her work is widely recognized for its impact, particularly in the fields of skin sensitization and neurodegenerative diseases.

Impact and Influence 🌟

ACS has made a profound impact on the scientific community, not only through her research but also by actively contributing to the broader academic and scientific ecosystems. She serves on the scientific committees of 11 indexed international journals, ensuring the integrity and progress of scientific publications. As a jury member for academic degree evaluations and fellowships, ACS plays an influential role in shaping the future of research and academic excellence.

Her involvement in organizing international conferences and presenting at over 50 meetings reflects her active participation in fostering global scientific dialogue. Furthermore, ACS’s work as a principal investigator in several groundbreaking projects is making substantial strides toward enhancing public health through innovative therapies.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🔮

ACS’s future contributions are set to further revolutionize our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases, inflammation, and toxicology. Her work in the field of skin sensitization holds the potential to influence both the medical and cosmetic industries, offering new methods for evaluating chemical risks. With ongoing projects like “ChemSensing” and research into microplastics toxicity, ACS is poised to continue shaping scientific and medical advancements in the coming years. Her commitment to education and mentorship also ensures that the next generation of scientists will be equipped to carry her legacy forward, driving the next wave of scientific innovation.