Assistant Professor
Ph.D., 2009; University Federal of Sao Paulo
ORCID #0000-0001-6220-4576
Academic Department(s)
Microbiology and Immunology
Biography
After seven years as a postdoctoral fellow at the Universidad Central del Caribe – School of Medicine (UCC) in Puerto Rico, I accepted a faculty position in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Universidad Central del Caribe – School of Medicine (UCC).
At Universidad Central del Caribe, I expanded my knowledge and my areas of research interest. I started a project to study the immunomodulatory effect of Imiquimod in the enhancement of the HIV-specific immune response on a DNA vaccination platform. We hypothesize that Imiquimod will enhance the immune response of HIV-specific mediated DNA vaccine against HIV antigens. I have had success in obtaining small pilot grants from the UCC RCMI Program.
My expertise is focused on cellular differentiation and neuroprotection. However, I have had experience in clinical research studying HIV-HPV while obtaining my Master’s degree. As a doctoral fellow at the University of São Paulo-Brazil (UNIFESP-EPM), I carried out experiments examining the role of the peptide bradykinin in neural progenitor cell differentiation. Bradykinin is released in normal conditions but increased secretion is found in pathological conditions.
Our research group and the department provide the optimal environment for our success in the biomedical research field. During the past years, I have become more independent and have begun to mentor undergraduate students due to the UCC RCMI Program and The Alliance.
The Titulo V support will also help to enhance our publication record while generating data to apply for additional funding support. As Titulo V fellow together with the proper mentorship, we will be immersed in an environment that will enhance our skills in writing, data analysis, and decision-making processes regarding research strategies to ensure our success as scientists in biomedical research.
The main focus of my research is to develop an active program of studies in neuroscience aimed at alleviating neurocognitive deficits.
Availability for Students
Yes
Publications
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/myncbi/janaina.alves.1/bibliography/43807147/public/?sort=date&direction=ascending
Contact Information
Universidad Central del Caribe
P.O. Box 60327
Bayamón, PR 00960-6032
Tel.: (787) 798-3001 x 2083
e-mail: janaina.alves@uccaribe.edu