Karina Genaro
Irvine,CA
Summary
A dedicated and results-driven Research Scientist with 19 years of experience in pharmacology, specializing in vivo preclinical studies seeking to contribute expertise in target validation and drug development to an innovative research team. Ready to leverage extensive experience and skills to take on a new challenge.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Research Scientist
University Of California, Irvine
09.2020 - Current
- Established expertise in orofacial neuropathic pain models related to trigeminal nerve injury. Current project validates blocking Thrombospondin-4 (TSP4)/Calcium channel α2δ1 subunits interaction as new target for neuropathic pain in rats.
- Received supplemental grant/NIH HEAL initiative as co-investigator.
- Investigated the effect of TSP4 EFG-domain peptides on both the sensorial perception and the affective-motivational aspect of pain.
- Performed immunohistochemistry assay to quantify biomarkers associated with excitatory synapses in the spinal cord.
- Completed training in Zeiss Zen software for confocal microscopy, enhancing proficiency in image acquisition, analysis, and processing.
- Proposed research plan, designed experiments, executed the plan, analyzed and interpreted research findings, and summarized data into reports, meetings, and manuscripts.
- Collaborated with colleagues within and outside of UCI on multiple projects, resulting in the publication of 8 papers and 2 reviews.
- Supervised undergraduate and graduate trainees.
Research Scientist
University Of California, Irvine
06.2018 - 09.2020
- Investigated the therapeutic impact of allosteric modulators targeting δ-GABAA receptor on opioid side effects in mice.
- Used Cre/LoxP recombination to generate δ-GABAA knockout mice to corroborate the pharmacological findings (Genaro et al., 2022).
- Validated effectiveness of selective δ-GABAA receptor allosteric modulator in preventing and reversing opioid side effects.
- Received a NARSAD Young Investigator 2019 - Research Grants Brain & Behavior Research Foundation.
- Trained undergraduate students and supervised graduate trainees.
- Wrote research papers and reports; attended neuroscience meetings.
Research Assistant
University Of California, Irvine
09.2017 - 05.2018
- Worked both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced laboratory environment.
- Managed and maintained transgenic mouse colonies.
- Developed proficient skills in PCR genotyping techniques.
- Conducted perfusion to post-mortem tissue harvest and applied histological techniques.
- Participated in lab meetings and project presentations.
- Trained and supervised junior technicians for small animal handling and laboratory protocols.
Postdoctoral Researcher
University Of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
01.2011 - 09.2017
- Conducted independent preclinical research in the field of neurobiology of stress and pain.
- Leveraged interpersonal and communication skills to mentor undergraduate students.
- Designed research projects and alternative approaches and discussed results with principal investigators.
- Actively participated in research conception, design, and execution.
- Collaborated with a multidisciplinary team, employing pharmacological and behavioral methodologies in comprehensive pain research initiatives.
Assistant Professor
Federal University Of ABC
02.2010 - 01.2011
- Taught theoretical courses on Bioethics and the Undergraduate Research Program, introducing students to academic research methodologies.
- Contributed as a member of the Vivarium Committee, undertaking administrative responsibilities within the committee's purview.
Postdoctoral Fellow
University Of Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
11.2006 - 01.2010
- Conducted research on neuropharmacology of stress in small animals via behavioral and pharmacological assays.
- Researched various neurochemical mechanisms within specific brain structures associated with anxiety-like behavior in small animals.
- Assisted teaching and instructing students alongside other professors.
- Wrote and published peer-reviewed articles.
- Collaborated with 3 principal investigators to advance research and gain a deeper understanding of stress-related neuropharmacology and neural circuitry.
- Received a one-year FAPESP Postdoctoral Fellowship to participate in an academic exchange program at the University of Hawaii.
Postdoctoral/Visiting Researcher
University Of Hawaii At Manoa
06.2007 - 05.2008
- Conducted independent research on the impact of SR48968, a selective non-peptide NK2 receptor antagonist, on anxiety-related behavior in mice as part of drug development at Sanofi.
- Conducted immunohistochemical assays and utilized ImageJ software for the quantitative analysis of Fos protein expression associated with social behaviors.
- Published 2 papers as a corresponding author and presented findings at the SfN Neuroscience meeting.
Education
Ph.D. - Behavioral Neuroscience
University of Sao Paulo
Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil10.2006
Master of Science - Behavioral Neuroscience
University of Sao Paulo
Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil08.2002
Bachelor of Science - Physical Therapy
University of Ribeirao Preto
SP, Brazil07.1998
Skills
- In-depth knowledge of in vivo pharmacology assays
- Strong background in animal model development and handling
- Expertise in mechanisms of action of various drugs to advance scientific knowledge, target validation, and develop innovative treatments for neurological and psychiatric disorders
- Research Planning: proficient in experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation
- Computer skills for Data Analysis: GraphPad Prism, StatSoft Statistica, and IBM SPSS; Behavioral Coding: Biobserve Viewer; and Image Analysis: ImageJ Fiji and Zeiss Zen for microscopy
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and presentation skills
- Proficient in regulatory compliance requirements (eg, IACUC)
- Demonstrated expertise in scientific publications and reports
Accomplishments
- Collaborated with a team to target validation and drug development initiatives focused on pain treatment.
- Awarded 2023 Travel award from the NIH HEAL Investigator Meeting.
- Granted U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident through an EB-2 National Interest Waiver.
- Invited and served as Ad hoc reviewer for journals: Frontiers in Pharmacology, Neuroscience, Journal of Chemical Neuroanatomy, Plos One, Current Molecular Pharmacology, et al.
- Awarded with 2019 NARSAD Young Investigator - Research Grants Brain & Behavior Research,
- Awarded 2017 Honorable mention for poster presentation in the International Meeting of Brazilian Society of Neuroscience and Behavior, Sao Paulo, Brazil,
- Awarded 2016 Travel award from the International Brain Research Organization (IBRO) to attend the Workshop on Translational Neuroscience & Mental Disorders, Erice, Italy.
- Published in several sientific journals: Neuropharmacology, Frontiers in Pharmacology, Seminars in Cell and Developmental Biology, Journal of Psychopharmacology, European Journal of Pain et al.
- Total Publication: 36 research papers, 3 reviews, 2 book chapters.
- Total Citations: 1396 (h-index = 21; i10-index = 26). Citation count provided by Google Scholar as of December 2023.
Timeline
Research Scientist
University Of California, Irvine
09.2020 - Current
Research Scientist
University Of California, Irvine
06.2018 - 09.2020
Research Assistant
University Of California, Irvine
09.2017 - 05.2018
Postdoctoral Researcher
University Of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
01.2011 - 09.2017
Assistant Professor
Federal University Of ABC
02.2010 - 01.2011
Postdoctoral/Visiting Researcher
University Of Hawaii At Manoa
06.2007 - 05.2008
Postdoctoral Fellow
University Of Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
11.2006 - 01.2010
Ph.D. - Behavioral Neuroscience
University of Sao Paulo
Master of Science - Behavioral Neuroscience
University of Sao Paulo
Bachelor of Science - Physical Therapy
University of Ribeirao Preto
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