Dr Ana Bouças works as a technical officer in the Molecular Biology laboratory at USC's Thompson Institute
Ana supports a range of pilot projects that are investigating molecular biomarkers of PTSD, depression and suicidality in ketamine clinical trials. Her work involves the transport and preparation of plasma samples prior to analytical processing. In addition, Ana offers support to other studies across the Thompson Institute including its Healthy Brain Ageing and Eating Disorders research programs.
Ana’s interests transcend molecular biology, genetic markers and neuroimaging to better understand the neurobiological underpinnings of mental disorders.
Ana completed her Masters at the Medical School of the University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) in 2013 and a PhD in 2016. Following her graduation Ana was a researcher at the UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil where she collaborated across various studies.
Professional memberships
- Society for Molecular Biology & Evolution
- Society for Mental Health research
Higher degree research opportunities
The molecular biology platform underpins the Thompson Institute's programs, investigating molecular biomarkers of PTSD, depression, suicidality, eating disorders and dementia.
This platform integrates molecular biology into neuroimaging-based mental health research programs
The research opportunities in this area include investigating inflammatory and endothelial markers and their association with mental disorders.
Research scholarships
|
Grant/Scholarship |
Funding body |
Years |
Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Doctor of philosophy Scholarship |
Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES), Brazil. |
2013-2016 |
Molecular Endocrinology |
|
Master of Science Scholarship |
Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq), Brazil. |
2011-2013 |
Molecular Endocrinology |
Research areas
- Molecular biology
- Neuroscience
- Post traumatic stress disorder
- Healthy brain ageing and dementia
- Eating disorders
Dr Ana Bouças is a Biomedical Scientist and her specialist areas of knowledge include Molecular and Cellular Biology. She works across major studies at the Thompson Institute including its ketamine clinical trials, healthy brain ageing and eating disorders research programs.