New MSc student: Maria Mafalda Almeida | - CCMAR -
 

New MSc student: Maria Mafalda Almeida

 

Tell us a bit about the work you are/will be doing at CCMAR
I am working in Senegalese sole spermatogonia enrichment, isolation and purification to observe epigenetic modification in fresh and cryopreserved samples. For this purpose, I carry out fish maintenance in Ramalhete station, testes collection and dissociation and techniques for spermatogonia quality assessment, such as molecular markers, DNA integrity, viability and DNA methylation. This study is my master thesis and is inside the framework of AQUAEXCEL 3.0 and GERMROS projects from CCMAR.

 

What were you doing before you joined us?
In the last two years, I have been involved in the Aquaculture Research group (Aquagroup) from CCMAR performing several techniques associated with four projects based on Senegalese sole. In 2020, I presented my project degree related to dominance behaviour in Senegalese sole juveniles and environmental enrichment under Dr Elvira Fatsini and Prof. Elsa Cabrita supervision. This project was inside the framework of REPROF1 and CONDISOLE projects.

 

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Despite being super cliché for a marine biologist, I adore being outside enjoying nature, especially if I am accompanied by a really good book. I also like baking, playing games and an occasional painting/ceramics session.