Dr. Sabrina de Souza
“All opportunities to learn and network with others are important to the future of a scientific career”
Interview by Najla Saleh, PhD
Najla Saleh – Tell me about you – your background and what you have done up until now.
My name is Sabrina de Souza; I came from Brazil to work as a post-doctoral researcher at Laumet Pain Lab at ISTB. My background is in immunology. My PhD focused on monocytes and macrophages’ phenotypic and molecular profile during HTLV-1 infection. Currently, I am studying neuroimmune communication during postoperative and inflammatory pain, focusing on cytokine/chemokine production and immune cell infiltration.
What was the reason for choosing MSU to do your postdoc?
I became interested in neuroscience because of the consequences of HTLV-1 infection in the central nervous system and I found a good position at MSU. I had just learned about MSU before my application.
What was your biggest surprise about being a postdoc at MSU?
I was not expecting a huge and beautiful campus surrounded by nature – which I love – and people in my lab are so receptive and that encourages me to keep loving MSU.
How has your experience as a postdoc here been so far?
I feel that I’ve got an excellent opportunity to increase my research career. I’ve been learning so much, connecting with different people and improving my skills.
What is your advice on how MSU postdocs can get the most out of their experience here?
Using all opportunities to learn and network with different people is important to the future; participating in postdoctoral events and conferences can improve our careers.
To wrap it up, and to know more about you, tell me what comes to mind first in this rapid round of questions!
- Favorite food or recipe: Everything that has chocolate! My favorite Brazilian would be brigadeiro: condensed milk, 70% chocolate (you can mix it with some milk chocolate) and cook until you get your desired texture. After that, make brigadeiro balls and cover them with sprinkles.
- Favorite way to spend a day off: Reading and enjoying the nature around the MSU campus and nearby parks.
- The job you would do if it weren’t research? Nutritionist, I love learning about food and how to be healthy.
- Who inspired you to pursue a PhD and postdoc? My love for science and learning new things; and also, not having a specific routine as we see around other areas.
Feel free to add any quotes or comments about your background or experiences thus far!
I’ve been in some activities with the PDA group, and I enjoyed it so much! I’m glad we have an association in which we can support and encourage others, build relationships with other departments’ researchers, and discuss different topics during PDA meetings. Thank you for giving us this opportunity!
Know someone you would like to have the “Spotlight”?
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