Juliana da Fonseca Rezende e Mello
Harrisburg
Summary
Dynamic scientist with extensive Cryo-EM expertise, excelling in specimen preparation to atomic model fitting and data analysis. Proven ability to mentor junior scientists while authoring impactful publications. Skilled in Computational Biology and collaborative project design, driving innovative solutions in Structural Biology. Passionate about advancing scientific knowledge through rigorous research.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Researcher
Mnatsakanyan Lab
Hershey
01.2025 - Current
- Executed atomic model fitting, data collection, and processing for several Single Particle Cryo-EM and Cryo-ET projects.
- Supported grant writing by compiling relevant research information.
- Collaborated with team members on research project design and implementation.
- Participated in scientific meetings to present research insights and discuss methodologies.
- Maintained accurate records of experimental protocols and results in accordance with regulatory requirements.
- Authored and co-authored research papers for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
- Supervised junior scientists and laboratory technicians, providing mentorship and training.
- Conducted sample screening to identify suitable candidates for data collection and analysis.
- Authored papers, abstracts, and grant proposals to secure funding.
- Employed various software tools, like Cryosparc, Relion, Etomo, Imod, Isonet, Warp, and EPU, for data collection and/or analysis.
- Conducted laboratory experiments, including cell culture, protein isolation, western blot, and other molecular biology techniques.
Post-doctoral Fellow
Mnatsakanyan Lab
Hershey
01.2023 - 01.2024
- Executed atomic model fitting, data collection, and processing for several Single Particle Cryo-EM and Cryo-ET projects.
- Supported grant writing by compiling relevant research information.
- Collaborated with team members on research project design and implementation.
- Participated in scientific meetings to present research insights and discuss methodologies.
- Maintained accurate records of experimental protocols and results in accordance with regulatory requirements.
- Authored and co-authored research papers for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
- Supervised junior scientists and laboratory technicians, providing mentorship and training.
- Conducted sample screening to identify suitable candidates for data collection and analysis.
- Authored and co-authored papers and abstracts.
- Employed various software tools, like Cryosparc, Relion, Etomo, Imod, Isonet, Warp, and EPU, for data collection and/or analysis.
- Conducted laboratory experiments, including cell culture, protein isolation, western blot, and other molecular biology techniques.
Post-doctoral Fellow
Duke Human Vaccine Institute
Durham
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Operated in a Biosafety Level 3 lab environment to ensure safety protocols.
- Utilized PCR, qPCR, and cell culture techniques to study SARS CoV-2 tropism in renal cells.
- Conducted viral vector production and FACS for advanced virology research.
- Performed plaque assays and single-genome analysis to assess viral mutation patterns.
- Analyzed experimental data using statistical software to derive meaningful insights.
- Compiled comprehensive reports detailing experimental findings and interpretations.
Post-doctoral Fellow
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Durham
01.2019 - 01.2021
- Routinely collaborated in multiple projects with different researchers to optimize samples, prepare grids, screen samples, set up data collection, and provide insights and suggestions; Resulted in 1 publication in a high-impact peer-reviewed journal.
- Trained co-workers to prepare specimens, use the microscope, and set up data collection.
- Developed a workflow combining atomic model fitting into cryo-EM maps and molecular dynamics applied in the development of new nanobodies.
- Collaborated writing papers, abstracts, and grant applications.
- Prepared presentations for seminars, and reports for lab meetings.
- Utilized Relion, CryoSparc, Scipion, SerialEM, Phenix, Coot, and Cryo_fit for image processing and atomic model fitting.
Post-doctoral Fellow
Brazilian Nanotechnology National Laboratory
Campinas
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Developed and tested a new method to validate the presence of highly flexible structures, such as glycosides, in cryo-EM maps.
- Collaborated with other projects combining molecular modeling and cryo-EM to analyze interactions.
- Presented posters and seminars in the structural biology field.
- Utilized IMAGIC, FRODOCK, and Phenix for image processing, atomic model fitting, and protein-protein docking.
Post-doctoral Fellow
Universidade de São Paulo
São Paulo
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Provided training for lab members in molecular modeling tools.
- Collaborated with team members to design, optimize, and execute research protocols.
- Authored and coordinated the writing of papers.
Doctorate Student Research Fellow
Brazilian National Research Council (CAPES)
Rio de Janeiro
01.2012 - 01.2016
- Led main project targeting early-stage drug design for new antithrombotic candidates.
- Collaborated on multiple projects utilizing advanced computational methods.
- Mentored and trained undergraduate students in research methodologies.
- Presented research findings at seminars and conferences, enhancing visibility within the field.
- Utilized software tools including Autodock, Gromacs, Amber, Chimera, and I-TASSER for simulations.
Master Student Research Fellow
Brazilian National Research Council (CAPES)
Rio de Janeiro
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Worked on a main project focused on the understanding of the mechanism of action of new drug candidates against Herpes virus type I. Resulted in one publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
- Mentored an undergraduate student.
- Presented results in seminars and conferences.
- Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Experience using: Autodock, PyMol, Modeller, Swiss Model, and Spartan.
Validation Intern
GlaxoSmithKline
Rio de Janeiro
01.2009 - 01.2010
- Trained in GMP, including cleaning validation and change control.
- Monitored manufacturing and validation processes.
- Prepared reports about validation methods and manufacturing methods of new products.
Pharmacovigilance Intern
GlaxoSmithKline
Rio de Janeiro
01.2008 - 01.2009
- Prepared spontaneous adverse effect safety reports.
- Completed trainings offered by Global Safety and Pharmacovigilance.
- Contacted physicians for follow-up of reported adverse effects.
- Reviewed translations of documents related to the pharmacovigilance of clinical trials.
- Oriented clinical trial centers and monitored deviations.
Student Research Fellow
Laboratory of Cellular Pathology
Rio de Janeiro
01.2008 - 01.2009
- Collaborated with team members on projects focused on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, developing and testing a new drug delivery system.
- Performed experiments with mouse models.
- Carried out experiments such as western blot, electrophoresis, and immunofluorescence.
- Conducted literature reviews to support ongoing research projects.
Student Fellow
University Pharmacy
Rio de Janeiro
01.2008
- Formulated diverse drug types including capsules, liquids, creams, and ointments.
Education
D. Sc. - Pharmaceutical Sciences
Federal University of Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil01.2016
M. Sc. - Pharmaceutical Sciences
Federal University of Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil01.2012
B. Sc - Industrial Pharmacy
Fluminense Federal University
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil01.2010
Skills
- PCR and RT-PCR
- Western blot
- ELISA
- FACS
- Gel electrophoresis
- Confocal microscopy
- RNA and DNA extraction
- Mini and max prep
- Atomic model fitting
- Molecular biology methods
- Cryo-EM expertise
- Data analysis
- Computational Biology
- MD
- Molecular docking
- Structure-based drug design
- Ligand-based drug design
- Fragment-based drug design
- Structure-activity relationship
- Protein-protein docking
- Linux
- Python
- AMBER
- GROMACS
- Autodock
- Alphafold
- Cryosparc
- Relion
- Phenix
- Coot
- IMOD
- IsoNet
- Cryocare
- Warp
- EPU
- SerialEM
- Tomography
Publications
- Mello JFR et al. Computational Studies of Benzoxazinone Derivatives as Antiviral Agents against Herpes Virus Type 1 Protease. Molecules (Basel. Online), 2015 Jun 10;20(6):10689-704. PMID: 26065834
- Mello JFR et al. Fragment-Based Drug Discovery as Alternative Strategy to the Drug Development for Neglected Diseases. Chem Biol Drug Des. 2017 Dec;90(6):1067-1078. PMID: 28547936
- Bouvette, J, Liu, HF, Du, X, Zhou, Y, Sikkema, AP, e Mello, JDFR et al. Beam image-shift accelerated data acquisition for near-atomic resolution single particle cryo-electron tomography. Nat Common. 2021 Mar.12(1), 1-11
- Fu, Y.*, da Fonseca Rezende e Mello, J.*, Fleming, B. D.*, Renn, A.* et al. A humanized nanobody phage display library yields potent binders of SARS CoV-2 spike. PLoS One, 2024,17(8).
- Kumar, A.*, da Fonseca Rezende e Mello, J.*, Wu, Y.* et al. Cryo-EM structure of the brine shrimp mitochondrial ATP synthase suggests an inactivation mechanism for the ATP synthase leak channel. Cell Death & Differentiation, 2025 March 19:1-18.
*These authors contributed equally
Honors And Scientific Recognition
Undergraduate Honor Award, XXIII Reunião Anual da Federação de Sociedade de Biologia Experimental - FESBE, 2008
Academic Teaching Experience
- Adjunct Teacher, 01/01/17, 12/31/17, Pharmacy Department, Faculdades Oswaldo Cruz, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Substitute Teacher, 01/01/14, 12/31/14, Medicinal Chemistry, Centro Universitário Augusto Motta
- Assistant Temporary Teacher, 01/01/11, 12/31/13, Biopharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmaceutical techniques, Internship counseling, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Macaé, Macaé, RJ, Brazil
Languages
English
Full Professional
Portuguese
Native/ Bilingual
Spanish
Limited
Timeline
Researcher
Mnatsakanyan Lab
01.2025 - Current
Post-doctoral Fellow
Mnatsakanyan Lab
01.2023 - 01.2024
Post-doctoral Fellow
Duke Human Vaccine Institute
01.2021 - 01.2022
Post-doctoral Fellow
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
01.2019 - 01.2021
Post-doctoral Fellow
Brazilian Nanotechnology National Laboratory
01.2017 - 01.2019
Post-doctoral Fellow
Universidade de São Paulo
01.2016 - 01.2017
Doctorate Student Research Fellow
Brazilian National Research Council (CAPES)
01.2012 - 01.2016
Master Student Research Fellow
Brazilian National Research Council (CAPES)
01.2011 - 01.2012
Validation Intern
GlaxoSmithKline
01.2009 - 01.2010
Pharmacovigilance Intern
GlaxoSmithKline
01.2008 - 01.2009
Student Research Fellow
Laboratory of Cellular Pathology
01.2008 - 01.2009
Student Fellow
University Pharmacy
01.2008
D. Sc. - Pharmaceutical Sciences
Federal University of Rio de Janeiro
M. Sc. - Pharmaceutical Sciences
Federal University of Rio de Janeiro
B. Sc - Industrial Pharmacy
Fluminense Federal University