Beatriz Assis has received a R&D@USA scholarship from the Luso-American Development Foundation (FLAD). This scholarship, aimed primarily at Master’s and PhD students, offers exceptional opportunities for conducting research internships in innovative scientific and technological sectors in the United States.
MSc student at ICVS/EM and member of the research team Brain Circuits and Neuron-Glial Adaptations (C2B), Assis will be joining the renowned Division of Systems Neuroscience at Columbia University/New York State Psychiatric Institute, where she will focus on her project titled “The role of hippocampal dentate gyrus activity and adult neurogenesis in the ability to perform pattern separation in a mouse model.” Working in Professor René Hen’s laboratory, the research is poised to enhance the understanding of complex behavioral functions related to memory and cognition, as well as mood regulation.
Throughout her internship, Assis plans to gain proficiency in advanced scientific techniques, including calcium imaging for in vivo neural activity analysis, immunohistochemistry, microscopy, cellular quantification, and statistical analysis. This project, integral to her Master’s thesis under the mentorship of Dr. Sofia Leal Santos, not only promises to deepen her knowledge but also aims to contribute to research in neuroscience.
The R&D@USA scholarships from the Luso-American Development Foundation (FLAD) aim to promote scientific collaboration and knowledge exchange between Portugal and the United States. These scholarships are designed primarily for Master’s and PhD students, providing them with funding to undertake research internships in leading American institutions. The goal is to enhance the students’ research skills, expose them to advanced scientific methodologies, and foster innovation that can be applied upon their return to Portugal. By supporting young researchers, FLAD seeks to strengthen academic ties and contribute to the development of scientific expertise within the Portuguese community.
