1. ANA MORAIS +44 (0)7855758542 — anademorais3@gmail.com
CAREER OBJECTIVE
Masters of research graduate with extensive laboratory background looking to further my research
skills in a more commercially focused environment in a leading pharmaceutical center. Ambition is to
eventually have broad experience in R&D, management and marketing responsibilities.
EDUCATION
Masters of Research (MRes) in Cardiovascular Health and Disease
The University of Manchester, 2012-2013
THESIS “The role of Interleukin-10 receptor signaling in cardiac cells during heart failure” (2012-2013)
In Prof. Ludwig Neyses and Dr. Elizabeth Cartwright Lab. Supervised by Dr. Delvac Oceandy
§ Evidence suggests that Heart Failure is associated with an increase in inflammation and
inflammatory cytokine expression. Researchers have shown that signaling through the
Interleukin-10 receptor in the heart reduces hypertrophy and inflammatory cytokine levels
during heart failure.
§ Aim: My research focuses on whether or not knocking-down the IL-10 receptor in cardiac
cells has any effects on cardiac hypertrophy and inflammation, or if protection is resultant of
IL-10R signaling in surrounding cells.
§ Skills developed: Development of independent, interdisciplinary, self-directed learning.
Critical analysis and creative and flexible thinking regarding research questions. Excellent
priority and time management skills. Excellent summarizing and data analysis skills for oral
presentations.
§ Research techniques acquired: Experienced in sterile microbiological techniques used whilst
working in cell and tissue culture. Isolation and maintenance of cardiomyocytes from animal
models; growing, maintaining, and isolating H9C2 cells.
- Viral transfection and genetic manipulation using RNA interference in cultured cells.
- Well versed in cDNA, mRNA and protein handling, isolation and separation techniques:
Luciferase reporters, western blot analysis, DNA and RNA extraction.
- Imaging of cell size and hypertrophy using Immunoflourescence staining and microscopy.
§ Challenges: Working within a changing environment where medical and scientific knowledge
is constantly shifting and evolving, and adapting and applying knowledge from different fields
into new research methodologies.
Bachelor of Science (Bsc) in Biomedical Sciences (Hons)
The University of Manchester, 2009-2012
3°YEAR THESIS “The role of the anti-inflammatory cytokine Interleukin-10 in hypertrophy” (2011-12)
In Prof. Ludwig Neyses and Dr. Elizabeth Cartwright Lab. Supervised by Dr. Delvac Oceandy
§ Aim: Study on how signaling through the immune system via the IL-10 Receptor regulates
heart hypertrophy and inflammation, when present and when knocked out in murine hearts.
§ Skills developed: Awareness of practical issues and problems associated with conducting
research in medicine including ethical issues. Responsibilities included planning, organizing
and executing experiments within a time frame. Problem solving and adapting suitable
methods to achieve results. Experience in interpretation and presenting acquired data.
§ Research techniques acquired: Protein extraction, analysis using Nano-drop, ELISA, Q-PCR.
- Imaging of cell size and fibrosis using H&E staining and Masson’s Trichrome staining
§ Challenges: Mastering the delicate techniques of Quantitative PCR (Q-PCR), discussing the
results and linking scientific data to the relevant literature.

2. 2°YEAR THESIS “Human and mouse embryonic stem cells: are they the same type of cell?” (2010-11)
Supervised by Dr. Berenika Plusa - The University of Manchester, Faculty of Life Sciences
§ Aim: Study of the molecular and cellular processes involving the differentiation of human and
mouse embryonic stem cells into more specialized types of cells. How these processes differ
and how they are similar between both species. How reprogramming affects and changes the
fate of these cell types.
§ Skills Developed: Objective evaluation and discussion of available scientific journals and
paper publications.
High School Diploma (Honours and Distinctions) Escola Portuguesa de Macau, (2009)
Course disciplines in Social Sciences and Humanities. - Graduated top of my year with Honours award
for academic achievement and outstanding achievement awards for the subjects of History and
Portuguese Language and Literature.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
§ Conference attendance and PowerPoint/ poster presentations in Stem cell and Tissue
Engineering Research, Cardiology Research, and Immunology Research (2012-Present)
Skills developed: Public speaking and presentation of data collected from my research. I have
developed the ability to network and establish professional connections with people from
different fields and backgrounds.
§ Clinical Masterclasses and Problem Base Learning (PBL) tutorials on the current trends and
treatments in the field of medicine, cardiology, tissue engineering, and molecular biology
(2012-Present). Skills developed: Working within a multi-disciplinary research group researching,
analyzing, debating and presenting current literature. I am a confident team player, able to
contribute my skills and knowledge to achieve a common goal.
§ Discussion group leader and coordinator for the Cardiovascular Systems Module during my
undergraduate study (February- June 2012) Skills developed: Responsibilities included planning
and organizing meetings; leading and mediating the debate between my peers.
§ Student placement at the Hospital Conde São Januário in Macau- China (May- August 2011)
§ Teaching and tutoring university language students basic Portuguese (2012- Present)
§ Tutoring students from Escola Portuguesa de Macau in the subjects of English, History, and
Biology at High school level, (2007-Present)
VOLUNTEERING EXPERIENCE
§ Part of volunteering group for Cancer Research UK in Manchester, (2011-present)
§ Part of volunteering group for UNICEF on campus society in Manchester, (2011-present)
§ Caretaker at Mother Theresa children’s care home in Macau, (2009)
§ Sunday School teacher - Sé Catholic Church, Macau (2006-2009)
SKILLS
I.T. skills - Well versed in Biological and Chemistry tools (Microscope use, ImageLab, ImageJ)
- Excellent referencing and data analysis tools (Mendley, Endnote, SPSS, GraphPad)
- Experienced with multimedia software (Windows media, Photoshop, iMovies, Adobe)
- Excellent with Microsoft Office tools, Windows and Mac operating systems
Languages - Portuguese and English - Native speaker
- Spanish - Full professional proficiency
- French and Cantonese - Professional working proficiency
EXTRA CURRICULAR AND HOBBIES
-Marathon and Track and field training (2011- Present) Greater Northern Manchester Marathon (April 2013)
-Part of the University of Manchester Hiking society (2012- Present)
-Part of the University of Manchester Dodgeball Team (2010-2011)