Alexandra Balola

MSc student - Master Thesis Researcher Sep 2017 - Nov 2018

Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), University of Lisbon

Development of a Master Thesis with the title "Burkholderia cepacia complex bacteria as contaminants of saline solutions containing benzalkonium: phenotypic characterization of emerging clonal variants". The project envisaged the understanding of the mechanisms behind the ability of the B. cepacia complex bacteria to contaminate and propagate in commercially used sterile solutions containing biocides, causing vast and severe contamination, and end up infecting individuals with cystic fibrosis. Use of a diverse array of methods and protocols, from genetic typing to microbiology and cellular assays.

This project was formulated in collaboration with the Microbiology Laboratory of INFARMED (Portuguese National Authority for Medicines and Health Products).

Supervisores: Profª Doutora Isabel Sá-Correia (Head of the BSRG-iBB/IST) and Doutora Carla
Patricia Coutinho (iBB/IST).

Final thesis grade of 18/20.

Internship Jan 2016 - Jul 2016

Department of Plant Biology, University of Lisbon

• Optimization and use of one-step and two-step Reverse Transcription and Real Time PCR
  protocols / kits;
• Design of RT-PCR primers and use of Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) and other
  online bioinformatic Tools;
• Use of RT-PCR data to confirm expression data of several genes in response do
  drought (Arabidopsis thaliana) from microarrays;
• Support of other ongoing projects in the laboratory.
• Practical and theoretical support/mentoring given to groups of students developing laboratory work
  and research reports within the BSc in Biology, in the Laboratory of Molecular Plant Physiology.
• Supervisor: Doctor Ana Rita Matos (FCUL)

Laboratory assistant within the Genetic Engineering Curricular Unit Jan 2016 - Apr 2016

Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon

• Preparation of the biological material to be used in the practical component of the curricular unit
  during the semester;
• Use of various techniques and protocols of Recombinant DNA: DNA extraction and purification
  protocols, cleavage of DNA segments and insertion in plasmid, transformation of competent Escherichia coli cells, preparation of translational gene fusions, and purification of plasmid DNA
  from bacterial strains.
• Agarose gel electrophoresis and DNA purification protocols for sequencing purposes.
• Supervisor: Doctor Rita Zilhão (FCUL)

Curricular Internship Mar 2015 - Jul 2015

Laboratory of the Deafness Group, University of Lisbon

• Handling of human biological samples (blood samples) for DNA extraction and purification, PCR
  and PCR Multiplex, Agarose gel electrophoresis, DNA purification for sequencing purposes;
• Bioinformatic Software Chromas Lite© for sequencing and SNP and DIP analysis;
• Critical sense of result analysis - detection of relevant gene mutations causing Presbycusis and
  epidemiological studies;
• Presentation of a final project (report grade: 18/20) and development of communication skills
• Supervisor: Doctor Helena Caria (Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal- Department of Biomedical
  Sciences)

Instituto Superior Técnico - University of Lisbon 2016 - 2018

Field of study: Biotechnology
Degree: Master of Science Degree

High quality and up-to-date training in the highly interdisciplinary field of Biotechnology, which joins Life Sciences and Engineering.

This Program has a strong focus in areas that have had significant scientific and technological advances in recent years, and offers a way to face the new challenges of the strongly interdisciplinary and fast growing field of activity of Biotechnology. The Program makes use of synergies and competences offered by several of the IST Departments, which contribute to the formation in interdisciplinary areas, such as Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics, Molecular and Cellular Microbiology, Biochemical Engineering, Environmental Technology, Entrepreneurship, among others.

Faculty of Sciences - University of Lisbon 2012 - 2015

Field of study: Biology - Molecular and Genetic Biology
Degree: Bachelor of Science Degree