Alexandra G. Fraga graduated in 2003 in Applied Biology and in 2010 recieved a PhD in Health Sciences from the Univeristy of Minho (UM). Her early studies at the Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS) focused on the events leading to spontaneous healing of experimental Buruli ulcer, using RNA-Sequencing in animal models of resistance (guinea pigs) and susceptibility (mice) to Mycobacterium ulcerans infection. Her research now focuses on the identification of interindividual genetic determinants that impact immunometabolic processes during Mycobacterium ulcerans infection, as well as on the modulation of the host immune response/bacterial activity by using new approaches of antimicrobial treatment (ex: phages and drug delivery systems). She is the Biosaftey Level 2 and 3 Coordinator at the ICVS and is the ICVS representative of the Portuguese Biosafety Laboratory Network, Lab-PTBioNet. She has FELASA Category C accreditation for animal experimentation by the Portuguese National Authority for Animal Health (DGAV) and a vast experience in the mouse and guinea pig model of infection under BSL2 and BSL3 conditions.