BEYOND THE LAB COAT: Cátia Lopes

Cátia Lopes was born in February 22nd, 1988 in Paços de Ferreira – “Capital do Móvel”.
In 2010, during her graduation in Pathologic Anatomy, Cytology and Tanathology, she had the opportunity to develop her final project at INEB under the supervision of Ana Paula Pêgo. Since then she has become a part of INEBs’ big family. In 2012, she decided to apply for a Ph.D. grant and now she is almost concluding her challenging Ph.D. in Neurosciences from the Faculty of Medicine of University of Porto.
Cátia is a hard worker and, although she seems quiet and shy at first impression, she is a wonderful person and colleague. She is, undoubtedly, our firewoman when it comes to histological issues. She is always prompt to help whenever some problem arises in this area.
Besides her Ph.D., she has contributed to other activities at INEB and public science awareness as Science Club, Mostra da UP, and Noite dos Investigadores.

Main Challenge
My current work is focused in the study and optimization of biomaterial-based nanoparticles designed to transport and deliver therapeutic genes to neurons in a specific manner. With this work I expect to achieve a more clinical relevant platform to provide the required factors to promote neuronal regeneration.

INEB in one word
Partnership. INEBians always work as partners getting and giving the better of each one.

Beyond the lab coat...
When I´m not in the lab I really like to stay at home with my family and take some time to relax watching TV series. I also enjoy going out for a walk with my dog.

The Movie
The Book of Eli, 2010

The Book
“Ensaio sobre a cegueira” (José Saramago)

The Trip
I really want to visit Tokyo someday.

If I wasn’t a scientist, I would be...
Today I cannot imagine myself being anything else ... but maybe a shoes designer or a teacher.