Biosketch

Hi, everyone! My name is Marta Curado Avelar, I’m 24 years old and I recently completed the Integrated Master in Biological Engineering at Instituto Superior Técnico. For the last part of my Master’s Degree I did my Thesis Project in Silva-Santos Lab. This project was focused in uncovering the molecular mechanisms involved in the thymic differentiation of murine, CD8-expressing gamma-delta T cells, using Fetal Thymic Organ Cultures, a model system for studying T cell development.

Now, I am a Research Assistant in the Cell Fitness Lab (Moreno Lab) at Champalimaud Foundation. I work in a project whose objective is to understand the mechanisms behind the escape of RasV12-transformed cells from extrusion by surrounding epithelial cells and how healthy epithelial cells can have a role in the elimination of pre-malignant cells, using Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) as a model. In my free time, I enjoy running, cooking, reading and I would love to try tap dancing. I look forward to being a part of this newly-created iMM Alumni Community!

Testimony

I remember when I was looking for a Master Thesis Project and I found out some labs at iMM were accepting Master students. I fell in love with gamma-delta T cells from the moment I started reading more about them—how unconventional they were and the diversity of functions they had. I started doing the experimental part of my thesis in February 2020 and then the pandemic hit. I admit it was a bit challenging for me to deal with it in the beginning, but I learned a lot and I met amazing people.

I grew a lot as a young scientist, but also as a person. I encourage every student with a passion for immunobiology to do a project in Silva-Santos Lab. Bruno is an outstanding PI, all lab members are very friendly, and you can learn a lot from them. In the end, I am very grateful for the opportunity I was given and to have worked there.

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