Dr. Andressa Souza de Oliveira, Ministry of Health of Brazil, Brazil
Andressa Souza de Oliveira is a Brazilian chemist with expertise in medicinal chemistry and pharmacology. Her research focuses on developing sustainable, biologically active compounds derived from natural sources, particularly for therapeutic applications. With a strong background in synthetic organic chemistry, Andressa has worked extensively on the synthesis and evaluation of chalcones, flavonoids, and cardanol derivatives, focusing on their cytotoxic and antifungal properties. Her projects have aimed at creating novel drug candidates for diseases like Chagas and Alzheimer’s. She completed her Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Brasília in 2022 under the guidance of Prof. Luiz Antonio Soares Romeiro. Andressa has published several research articles in prestigious journals, contributing to the advancement of anti-infective agents and therapeutic compounds. Currently, she collaborates with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and actively participates in various research initiatives.
Professional Profile:
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Summary of Suitability for Award:
Andressa Souza de Oliveira is an exceptional candidate for the “Best Researcher Awards” due to her outstanding contributions to medicinal chemistry, especially in drug development through sustainable methods. Her research portfolio includes innovative work on bioactive compounds derived from natural sources, such as cashew nut shell liquid, to develop novel therapeutic agents for diseases like Chagas, Alzheimer’s, and fungal infections. Andressa’s dedication to sustainable drug synthesis, paired with her contributions to antifungal and anti-neurodegenerative agents, showcases her commitment to addressing critical public health issues. Additionally, her research emphasizes environmentally conscious, green chemistry principles, making her work not only innovative but also sustainable.
Education:
Andressa Souza de Oliveira’s educational journey is marked by her commitment to pharmaceutical sciences and chemistry. She earned her Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences in 2022 from the University of Brasília (UnB), where she conducted research on antifungal drug development under the mentorship of Prof. Luiz Antonio Soares Romeiro. Prior to her doctoral studies, she completed a Master’s in Pharmaceutical Sciences (2014–2016) at UnB, also advised by Prof. Romeiro, with support from CNPq, focusing on synthetic methodologies and cytotoxic compounds. Andressa’s academic foundation in chemistry was established during her undergraduate studies at the Catholic University of Brasília (UCB), where she graduated in 2014 as a CAPES grantee. She also pursued specialized training, including a course on biologics development and manufacturing at the Global Training Hub for Biomanufacturing in South Korea, and additional certifications in project management and educational material design, reflecting her commitment to academic and professional growth.
Work Experience:
Andressa Souza de Oliveira has diverse experience in research, project management, and international collaboration. Since 2022, she has worked with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) as a research fellow, where she contributes to health-related initiatives. She has held various project roles at the University of Brasília, collaborating on antifungal drug development, antiproliferative agents, and Alzheimer’s therapeutic research. Since 2019, she has participated in efficacy and safety studies of therapeutic prototypes through UnB’s research council. Andressa has contributed to research projects aimed at developing therapeutic agents derived from cardanol, with applications in neurodegenerative and infectious diseases. She also brings experience in educational management, having completed project management courses and served as a project participant at the Catholic University of Brasília. Her professional background demonstrates a dedication to both academic research and practical solutions in medicinal chemistry and pharmacology.
Awards:
Throughout her academic and professional career, Andressa Souza de Oliveira has received several honors that reflect her commitment to science and innovation. She was awarded a scholarship by the Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) during her Master’s studies, recognizing her potential in the field of pharmaceutical sciences. Andressa’s undergraduate education was also supported by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES), which funds promising students in Brazil. She has been recognized for her contributions to developing antifungal and anti-Alzheimer’s agents, with particular emphasis on sustainable drug development approaches. Additionally, she completed advanced training in biologics development at the Global Training Hub for Biomanufacturing in South Korea, an achievement that underscores her commitment to expanding her expertise in cutting-edge therapeutic development. These awards highlight her dedication to advancing public health through innovative and sustainable pharmacological solutions.
Research Focus:
Andressa Souza de Oliveira’s research revolves around developing bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential. Her primary focus lies in synthesizing chalcones, flavonoids, and cardanol-based molecules, aiming to discover novel drugs for conditions such as Chagas disease, Alzheimer’s, and fungal infections. Andressa’s research combines organic synthesis, cytotoxicity assessment, and pharmacological profiling to identify candidates with dual activity for use as antiproliferative or enzyme-inhibiting agents. Her projects involve using cashew nut shell liquid (cardanol) as a sustainable raw material to develop acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, aiming to address neurodegenerative diseases. She also contributes to antifungal drug development, exploring histone deacetylase inhibitors’ role against resistant pathogens. Andressa’s dedication to green chemistry principles and natural compounds highlights her commitment to sustainable and effective pharmaceutical solutions. Her ongoing research projects continue to make significant contributions to medicinal chemistry and drug development.
Publication Top Notes:
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Title: Engineering a dysbiotic biofilm model for testing root caries interventions through microbial modulation
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Title: Antifungal activity of sustainable histone deacetylase inhibitors against planktonic cells and biofilms of Candida spp. and Cryptococcus neoformans
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Title: Sustainable multifunctional phenolic lipids as potential therapeutics in Dentistry
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Title: Cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) as a source of drugs for Alzheimer’s disease
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Title: Novel Sustainable-by-Design HDAC Inhibitors for the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease