Erika Barboza Prado Lopes

I am a dynamic and enthusiastic Brazilian. I obtained my BA in Biology at the Federal University of Espírito Santo (UFES) Brazil (2003-2007). While there, I focused my work on immunology, cell biology, and molecular biology of intestinal helminthiasis, Tuberculosis and HIV. I then traveled to the University of Barcelona (UB), Spain for my PhD in Immunology (2009-2013). My doctoral work consisted in the generation of a high efficiency in vitro protocol to produce Ly-6C-high monocytes from the bone marrow of mice, which allowed me to study the functionality of these cells in vitro and in vivo. I also worked in the University of Barcelona during my PhD as an Associate Professor of practical classes in the subject of Immunology and as a Coordinator for practical classes of Immunobiotechnology. This work involved developing protocols for discussion and laboratory sections that were tailored towards a diverse group of students of various ages, backgrounds, and skill levels on the subject of Immunobiotechnology for Biological Sciences graduate students. From 2013 to 2019, I worked in Dr. Tim Griffin’s laboratory at Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF) as a Postdoctoral Fellow and was latter promoted to Associate Staff Scientist. This work focuses on pain sensing in the infra-patellar fat pad and the peripheral and central effects of exercise on inflammatory mediators of pain in osteoarthritis. Currently, I’m working as a Reagent and Assay Development R&D Manager and Beads Development R&D Manager at BD Bioscience.