Nunes dos Santos Lab

Inês Figueira is a postdoctoral researcher working at Universidade Nova de Lisboa. Inês holds a PhD in Biochemistry with a specialization in Neurosciences, from ITQB-UNL in 2017. With an MSc in Molecular Biology and Genetics (2011) and a BSc in Biochemistry (2009) from FCUL, Inês focuses her research on understanding the cellular & molecular mechanisms that trigger brain diseases, aiming to prevent their progression and focusing on blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction as a central hallmark. Inês seeks to develop improved cell models of the neurovascular unit (e.g., complex co-culture systems and organ-on-chip) to disclose the potential of small molecules towards neurodegeneration, systemic and (neuro)inflammation, BBB impairment, and Parkinson’s disease. Inês published over 31 international peer-reviewed papers, 7 as the first author (h-index 16). So far, she has 8 awards, one FCT CEEC (BOOST_PD – 2022.00151.CEECIND) and two Exploratory FCT Projects (PERCEPT – 2022.02127.PTDC; NEXUS – 2023.12203.PEX). 

Diogo’s main research interest focus on the study of microglia cells and neuroinflammation,  the mechanisms of neuroinflammation and novel approaches to modulate microglia, especially in the context of neurodegenerative diseases, like Parkinson’s Disease.  Diogo Carregosa concluded his PhD in Biomedicine at NOVA Medical School, following a MSc in Biochemistry for Health in 2018 and a BSc in Biochemistry in 2016.

Diogo has been working with microglia cells since 2017. Diogo has experience in the synthesis and characterization of small phenolics, natural and synthetic, and its characterization; in vitro culture of immortalized and primary microglia cells; mice models of neuroinflammation and Parkinson’s Disease; animal behavior analysis; quantification of inflammatory markers in plasma and tissue; as well as, genomic, proteomic, and metabolomic techniques.

Diogo Carregosa has 10 publications in scientific journals, 3 book chapters, and has participated in several international conferences. He has also participated in two COST Actions related to neurodegenerative diseases and Parkinson’s disease. From his work, Diogo has a patent application for the use of small phenolics to treat Neurodegenerative Diseases.

Jorge has his PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Coimbra, where he assessed the cardioprotective effect of a natural compound in pulmonary arterial hypertension. Over the years, Jorge has been interested in assessing the therapeutic potential of natural compounds, firstly on fungal infections and lately on cardiovascular diseases, senescence and ageing. His work has been recognized by peers with papers published in highly reputable journals such as Phytomedicine and Pharmacological Research. Jorge is also eager to help disseminate his knowledge to others, particularly for lay audiences, with several participations in science outreach activities.

Ana Rita Garcia is a fellowship researcher at the NOVA Institute for Medical Systems Biology (NIMSB) in Lisbon, Portugal, and is completing her PhD in Pharmacy with a specialization in Cellular and Molecular Biology. She holds an MSc in Molecular Biology and Genetics (2020) and a BSc in Biochemistry (2016) from the Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon. Her research has been focused on Neuro-Oncology and Biooncology, with a particular interest in the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying breast cancer brain metastases development and blood-brain barrier dysfunction. Ana Rita has extensive experience in advanced cellular (2D and 3D) and animal models, as well as a wide range of techniques including live-cell imaging, confocal microscopy, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, qPCR, and organ-on-chip microfabrication. She has authored 10 international peer-reviewed publications, including 3 as first author, and has presented her work in 45 scientific communications across national and international conferences.

Daniela Marques is a PhD researcher at Universidade Nova de Lisboa, focusing on how physiological relevant microbiota-derived dietary (poly)phenol metabolites influence brain health by the modulation of neuroinflammation status of the brain, in the blood-brain barrier. She is also interested to identify candidate compounds that may be a new strategy to delay and/or postpone the development of neurodegenerative diseases. With a Master’s degree in Experimental Pathology and a Bachelor’s degree in Human Biology, she has established herself in the fields of neuroscience and nutrition. Daniela has co-authored nine published articles and contributed to numerous scientific events through poster and oral communications. She actively participates in research projects such as LIMBo and NEXUS. Beyond research, she has served on PhD committees, organized academic events, and volunteered on task forces. Daniela’s work extends to mentoring undergraduate research projects and disseminating scientific knowledge through webinars and open classes, showcasing her comprehensive engagement in the academic and scientific community. 

In 2012, I completed my Integrated Master in Biological Engineering at Instituto Superior Técnico and began working as a research fellow at the Gulbenkian Institute of Science (IGC). I joined Isabel Gordo’s Evolutionary Biology Lab, focusing on antibiotic resistance and bacterial growth dynamics, gaining expertise in microbiology, genetic engineering, molecular biology, functional genomics, and in vivo experimentation. 
In 2016, I joined Karina Xavier’s Bacterial Signalling Lab at IGC, studying gut microbiota and metabolic profiles. In 2017, I joined Sara Magalhães Lab at FCUL as laboratory manager, where I helped develop and standardize spider mite colony management protocols and contributed to the lab’s research. 
Since 2019, I’ve been working at Cláudia Nunes dos Santos Lab. Initially a laboratory manager, I shifted to full-time research in 2021. In 2023, I began my PhD in Health Sciences at NMS-NOVA, focusing on the impact of (poly)phenol metabolites on the intestinal microbiome and inflammation. 

Carlos Rafael-Pita is a PhD student at NOVA Medical School, researching how a (poly)phenol-enriched diet modulates gut microbiota and neuroinflammation in the MPTP mouse model of Parkinson’s disease. He holds an MSc in Biomedical Research from the Faculty of Medicine of Coimbra, where he studied lysosomal dysfunction in endothelial cells during heart failure. He has worked on multiple research projects, including investigating the anti-inflammatory potential of bioactive compounds in endothelial and animal models. His expertise spans cell biology, immunology, metabolism, and molecular nutrition. Passionate about inflammation-driven pathologies, he explores dietary interventions for neurodegenerative diseases. Beyond research, he is dedicated to science communication, using illustrations and digital media to make complex biomedical concepts accessible. Through visual storytelling, he bridges the gap between science and the public, promoting a clearer understanding of health and disease. 

Inês P. Silva is a PhD student at NOVA Medical School, specializing in Health Sciences, particularly Biomedicine. With a background in Biology and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, her focus is on developing a neurovascular unit-on-chip, inducing a PD-like phenotype, and testing phenolic metabolites as a preventive strategy. Her research integrates microfluidics and neurobiology to create physiologically relevant models for studying the effects of phenolic metabolites in neurodegeneration, aiming to advance neurodegenerative disease research. 

Diogo Louro is a PhD student in Molecular Biosciences at ITQB NOVA in Lisbon. He completed his BSc in Biochemistry in 2022 at NOVA FCT and his MSc in NOVA Biomedical Research at NOVA Medical School in 2024. His research focuses on understanding the potential of small molecules, including dietary compounds and microbiota-derived metabolites, to modulate neuroinflammation—a key hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. By exploring the mechanisms through which these molecules influence neuroinflammatory pathways, he aims to contribute to the development of novel therapeutic strategies that could mitigate disease progression and improve patient outcomes. 

Inês Paiva is a PhD student in Sustainable Chemistry in the laboratory of Dr. Rita Ventura at ITQB NOVA – Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier and at NIMBS – NOVA Institute for Medical Systems. She holds a BSc in Biochemistry from NOVA School of Science and Technology (2018) and an MSc in Biochemistry for Health from NOVA Medical School (2021), where she studied the neurotrophic effects of carbon monoxide in microglia-neuron communication. Her current research focuses on the development of novel neuroprotective strategies targeting neuroinflammation, a central feature of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Specifically, she investigates the biological activity of (poly)phenol metabolites. Her project involves the synthesis of new analogues of the most active compounds for structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies, as well as the development of 13C-labelled (poly)phenols and fluorescent poly(phenol) probes to uncover their intracellular fate and mechanisms of action. These studies aim to guide the rational design of (poly)phenolic compounds with improved neuroprotective properties. 

Liza Hilman is a Registered Nutritionist and a PhD student at Nova Medical School, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa. She holds an MSc in Clinical Nutrition from Roehampton University in London.

Her PhD research focuses on the development, validation, and application of a food frequency questionnaire with a specific emphasis on polyphenol intake in the Portuguese population.

Previously, she worked as Head of Nutrition at a biotech company in London, where she developed and managed educational content, presented at conferences, supported the R&D department, and led the development of a nutrition consulting division. She was also involved in B2C and B2B initiatives, as well as marketing strategies.

Liza began her nutrition career with the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme, delivering lectures on nutrition, physical activity, and healthy lifestyle, and conducting nutrition and health assessments.

She is the author of a popular science book on nutrition and the creator and speaker of several online nutrition courses and podcasts.

Marco Faria Zadra is a dedicated researcher with a strong foundation in life sciences and biomedical research. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences with a specialization in Biomedical Research from HAN University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands. During his studies, he completed two significant internships at the DZNE in Bonn, Germany, under the guidance of Daniele Bano, with the final internship serving as his thesis project. Currently, he is in the final year of a Master’s program in Biomedical Research at NOVA Medical School in Lisbon, where he is conducting his thesis research in the Molecular Health and Nutrition Lab led by Claudia Nunes dos Santos. With dual Italian and Portuguese nationalities, he also holds a European Baccalaureate from Brussels, reflecting a diverse and international educational background. 

Graduated in Biochemistry at Nova School of Science and Technology. Currently a master student at Biomedical Research at Nova Medical School.

Alexandre Mendes is currently in the second year of the Master’s degree in Biochemistry for Health at NOVA School of Science and Technology (FCT NOVA). In 2024, he completed a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry at the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto.

During the final year of his undergraduate studies, he undertook an internship at a research laboratory at ICBAS, where his work focused on the role of microRNAs in the diagnosis and prognosis of psoriasis. Throughout his academic journey, Alexandre has been actively involved in mentoring fellow students and participating in extracurricular initiatives, including the student association of his faculty and the biochemistry student nucleus.