Summary
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Publications in International Journals
Timeline
Generic

Ana Claudia Souza Palmer

Providence,RI

Summary

My scientific career began during my first year of pharmacy school, when I investigated the impact of pesticide on a rural population in southern Brazil, an achievement recognized with an award and an honorable mention. For my Bachelor of Pharmacy thesis, I explored the effects of fentanyl administration in infant rats and its long-term behavioral outcomes. During my Master’s studies, I focused on maternal caffeine consumption, neuromotor development, and hippocampal acetylcholinesterase activity in infant rats. My doctoral research involved the administration of melatonin to breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, assessing circadian rhythm alterations and analyzing neurobiological markers such as BDNF. I have extensive expertise in the field of pain, both clinical and experimental, and hold additional training in non-invasive brain stimulation, with hands-on experience in tDCS and TMS applications.

Work History

Laboratory Assistant

Brown University
Providence, RI
2018 - 2019
  • Supported research activities in a multidisciplinary team by preparing reagents, maintaining laboratory equipment, and conducting experiments using molecular biology, microbiology, and immunology techniques. Assisted with cell culture, PCR, Western blotting, and flow cytometry. Managed sample collection, labeling, data entry, and record keeping in compliance with laboratory protocols. Maintained inventory, ensured proper waste disposal, and adhered to all safety and quality control guidelines.

Postgraduate Scientific Collaborator

HCPA Hospital
Porto Alegre, Brazil
2015 - 2017
  • Contributed to advanced clinical and translational research projects in collaboration with multidisciplinary healthcare and scientific teams. Responsibilities included developing research protocols, conducting data collection and statistical analysis, managing laboratory activities, and supporting the preparation of scientific manuscripts and conference presentations. The position emphasized evidence-based practices, innovation in medical research, and integration between academic research and clinical application.

CAPES Scholarship Researcher

UFRGS University
Porto Alegre, Brazil
2011 - 2013
  • Recipient of a prestigious CAPES (Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel) scholarship to conduct advanced academic research including project development, experimental design, laboratory work, data analysis, and dissemination of results through academic writing and presentations. The scholarship emphasized excellence in research, international collaboration, and scientific innovation.

Biochemistry Laboratory Assistant

UNIVATES University
Lajeado, Brazil
2007 - 2010
  • Provided technical and organizational support in biochemical research and laboratory procedures. Assisted in preparing reagents, conducting assays, and performing routine analyses under standardized protocols. Maintained laboratory equipment, ensured compliance with safety regulations, and supported data collection and documentation to facilitate experimental accuracy and reliability.

Education

PhD in Pharmacology - Molecular Biology And Psychoneuroimmunology

UFRGS University
Porto Alegre, Brazil
01-2018

Master’s Degree in Medical Sciences - Neurodevelopmental Pharmacology

UFRGS University
Porto Alegre, Brazil
01-2013

Bachelor of Pharmacy - Neuropharmacology

UNIVATES University
Lajeado, Brazil
01-2010

Skills

  • Laboratory Techniques: Proficient in molecular biology techniques (PCR, Western blot, ELISA, cell culture), microbiology assays, and immunological methods
  • Experimental Design: Skilled in designing, planning, and executing controlled experiments and reproducible protocols
  • Data Analysis: Experienced in analyzing and interpreting experimental data using statistical software and bioinformatics tools
  • Instrumentation: Expertise in operating and maintaining laboratory equipment such as centrifuges, microscopes, spectrophotometers, and flow cytometers
  • Scientific Writing: Capable of preparing clear and accurate research reports, manuscripts, and presentations for publication and conferences

Languages

English
Full Professional
Portuguese
Native/ Bilingual
Spanish
Professional

Publications in International Journals

  • Palmer, A. C. S., Zortea, M., Souza, A., Santos, V., Biazús, J. V., Torres, I. L. S., Fregni, F., & Caumo, W. (2020). Clinical impact of melatonin on breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy; effects on cognition, sleep and depressive symptoms: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. PLoS One, 15(4), e0231379. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0231379
  • Palmer, A. C. S., Souza, A., Dos Santos, V. S., Cavalheiro, J. A. C., Schuh, F., Zucatto, A. E., Biazus, J. V., Torres, I. L. D. S., Fregni, F., & Caumo, W. (2019). The effects of melatonin on the descending pain inhibitory system and neural plasticity markers in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy: Randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 10, 1382. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2019.01382
  • Braulio, Gilberto; Passos, Savio C.; Leite, Fabricio; Schwertner, Andre; Stefani, Luciana C.; Palmer, Ana C. S.; Torres, Iraci L. S.; Fregni, Felipe; Caumo, Wolnei. Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Block Remifentanil-Induced Hyperalgesia: A Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trial. Frontiers in Pharmacology, vol. 9, article e0187013, 2018. Impact Factor (2023 JCR): 4.40. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2018.00094
  • Palmer, A. C. S., Souza, A., Dos Santos, V. S., Cavalheiro, J. A. C., Schuh, F., Zucatto, A. E., Biazus, J. V., Torres, I. L. D. S., Fregni, F., & Caumo, W. (2019). The effects of melatonin on the descending pain inhibitory system and neural plasticity markers in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy: Randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 10, 1382. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2019.01382
  • Braulio, Gilberto; Passos, Savio C.; Leite, Fabricio; Schwertner, Andre; Stefani, Luciana C.; Palmer, Ana C. S.; Torres, Iraci L. S.; Fregni, Felipe; Caumo, Wolnei. Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Block Remifentanil-Induced Hyperalgesia: A Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trial. Frontiers in Pharmacology, vol. 9, article e0187013, 2018. Impact Factor (2023 JCR): 4.40. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2018.00094
  • Ribeiro, Hugo; Sesterhenn, Ricardo Bertol; Souza, Andressa de; Souza, Ana Claudia de; Alves, Monique; Machado, Jessica Catarina; Burger, Nathalia Bofill; Torres, Iraci Lucena da Silva; Stefani, Luciana Cadore; Fregni, Felipe; Caumo, Wolnei. Preoperative transcranial direct current stimulation: Exploration of a novel strategy to enhance neuroplasticity before surgery to control postoperative pain. A randomized sham-controlled study. PLoS One, vol. 12, article e0187013, 2017. Impact Factor (2023 JCR): 2.90. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0187013
  • Ribeiro, Hugo; Sesterhenn, Ricardo Bertol; Souza, Andressa de; Souza, Ana Claudia de; Alves, Monique; Machado, Jessica Catarina; Burger, Nathalia Bofill; Torres, Iraci Lucena da Silva; Stefani, Luciana Cadore; Fregni, Felipe; Caumo, Wolnei. Preoperative transcranial direct current stimulation: Exploration of a novel strategy to enhance neuroplasticity before surgery to control postoperative pain. A randomized sham-controlled study. PLoS One, vol. 12, article e0187013, 2017. Impact Factor (2023 JCR): 2.90. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0187013
  • Souza, Ana Cláudia de; Dussán-Sarria, Jairo Alberto; Souza, Andressa de; Caumo, Wolnei; Torres, Iraci Lucena da Silva. Caffeine Teratogenicity in Rats: Morphological Characterization and Hypothesized Mechanisms. Clinical and Biomedical Research, vol. 36, pp. 179-186, 2016. https://doi.org/10.4322/2357-9730.68287
  • Souza, Ana Claudia; De Souza, Andressa; Medeiros, Liciane Fernandes; De Oliveira, Carla; Scarabelot, Vanessa Leal; Da Silva, Rosane Souza; Bogo, Mauricio Reis; Capiotti, Katiucia Marques; Kist, Luiza Wilges; Bonan, Carla D.; Caumo, Wolnei; Torres, Iraci L.S. Maternal caffeine exposure alters neuromotor development and hippocampus acetylcholinesterase activity in rat offspring. Brain Research. Impact Factor (2023 JCR): 2.7000, vol. 1, pp. 1-33, 2014. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brainres.2014.10.039
  • Souza, A.; Dussan-Sarria, J. A.; Medeiros, L. F.; Souza, A. C.; Oliveira, C.; Scarabelot, V. L.; Adachi, L. N.; Winkelmann-Duarte, E. C.; Philippi-Martins, B. B.; Netto, C. A.; Caumo, W.; Torres, I. L. S. Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy reduces c-Fos activation in the rat hippocampus: Evidence of a long-lasting effect. International Journal of Developmental Neuroscience, 14, S0736-5748, 2014. Impact Factor (2023 JCR): 1.7000. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2014.09.003
  • Laste, G.; Deitos, A.; Torres, I.L.S.; Souza, A.; Souza, A. C.; Kauffmann, C.; Fernandes, L. C.; Ferreira, M. B. C. Analysis of medical prescriptions dispensed at pharmacies in the Unified Health System. Revista HCPA (UFRGS, Print), v.33, pp. 15-25, 2013.
  • Medeiros, Liciane Fernandes; Souza, A. C.; Souza, Andressa De; Cioato, Stefania Giotti; Scarabelot, Vanessa Leal; Caumo, Wolnei; Fernandes, Luciana Carvalho; Torres, Iraci L. S.; Torres, Ida S. Fentanyl administration in infant rats produces long-term behavioral responses. International Journal of Developmental Neuroscience, v. 30, p. 25-30, 2012. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2011.10.004
  • Souza, A. de, Medeiros, A. R., Souza, A. C., Wink, M. R., Siqueira, I. R., Hidalgo, M. P., Fernandes, L., Ferreira, M. B. C., Torres, I. L. da S., & Torres, I. S. (2011). Evaluation of the impact of pesticide exposure on the health of the rural population. Vale do Taquari (RS). Ciência e Saúde Coletiva, 16, 3531-3540. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1413-81232011000900020

Timeline

Laboratory Assistant

Brown University
2018 - 2019

Postgraduate Scientific Collaborator

HCPA Hospital
2015 - 2017

CAPES Scholarship Researcher

UFRGS University
2011 - 2013

Biochemistry Laboratory Assistant

UNIVATES University
2007 - 2010

PhD in Pharmacology - Molecular Biology And Psychoneuroimmunology

UFRGS University

Master’s Degree in Medical Sciences - Neurodevelopmental Pharmacology

UFRGS University

Bachelor of Pharmacy - Neuropharmacology

UNIVATES University
Ana Claudia Souza Palmer