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Brenda Gabriele Trindade dos Santos

Brenda Gabriele Trindade dos Santos

Main current position is not set

  • Joined: 2021
  • Items posted: 0
  • Profile views: 227

About

Summary

I’m a chemist (M.Sc. in Organic Chemistry) with a strong background in synthetic organic chemistry, electrochemical biosensors, and analytical techniques, passionate about science-driven solutions for human health.

Most recently, I worked as a Research Fellow at the SENAI Institute of Electrochemistry Innovation in Curitiba, Brazil, where I developed electrochemical biosensors for bacterial detection. I designed aptamer- and antibody-based assays, modified screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs), and applied techniques like PCR, qPCR, ELISA and magnetic particle separation to enhance biosensor performance and specificity.

Previously, I earned my Master’s degree in Chemistry (Focused on Organic Chemistry) at the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), designing and synthesizing bioactive molecules and molecular hybrids. I contributed to a project focused on dual inhibitors targeting SARS-CoV-2 Mpro and acetylcholinesterase, gaining hands-on experience with multi-step synthesis and structure elucidation using GC-MS, LC-MS, FTIR, UV-Vis, and NMR.

As a Teaching Assistant in Organic Chemistry, I supported pharmacy and chemical engineering students through lab instruction and academic mentoring (an experience that deepened my communication and leadership skills).

During my undergraduate years at the Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), I was involved in research on organoselenium compounds and novel synthetic methodologies, including heterocycle trifluoromethylation. This early exposure shaped my scientific mindset and reinforced my commitment to innovation in chemical research.

I hold advanced English certifications, including:

EF SET C2 Proficient (73/100)

TOEFL iBT (86/120)

Key Skills & Tools: Organic Synthesis | Electrochemical Sensors | Bioanalysis | Analytical Chemistry | SPCE | ELISA | qPCR | Western Blot | GC-MS | LC-MS | FT-IR | NMR | UV-Vis | SEM | CV | DPV | ChemDraw | MestreNova

I’m now seeking international opportunities where I can apply my expertise in synthetic chemistry and analytical methods to real-world challenges—especially in drug discovery, diagnostics, or biotechnology R&D.

Positions

Research Fellow – Electrochemistry & Sensor Development Oct 2022 - Mar 2024

SENAI Institute of Innovation in Electrochemistry

Designed and optimized aptamer- and antibody-based electrochemical assays for detecting various bacterial species.

Fabricated and structurally modified screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCE) to improve selectivity using covalent bonding and electrostatic interactions.

Characterized biosensors using advanced techniques, including Raman, FTIR, UV-Vis (Nanodrop One), SEM, XRD, and electrochemical methods such as EIS, DPV, and CV.

Investigated probe-target interactions using PCR, qPCR, ELISA, Western blot, and magnetic particle separation.

Drafted technical documentation and research reports; edited and proofread scientific texts for accuracy and clarity.

Delivered progress updates in biweekly internal and external meetings, addressing questions and aligning next steps with project goals.

Contributed to the establishment of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for new biosensing platforms.

Applied problem-solving skills to overcome technical challenges and translate laboratory results into practical solutions.

Graduate Teaching Assistant – Experimental Organic Chemistry Apr 2021 - Dec 2021

Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina

Instructed undergraduate students in pharmacy and chemical engineering programs during hands-on organic chemistry laboratory courses.

Designed and delivered engaging lectures to support students' conceptual understanding of experimental organic chemistry.

Provided individualized tutoring to strengthen core knowledge and improve academic performance.

Supervised laboratory sessions, ensuring correct use of lab equipment and adherence to safety protocols.

Guided students through experiment planning, execution, and data interpretation to reinforce good scientific practice.

Assessed performance by grading tests, final exams, and lab reports, providing detailed feedback for improvement.

Helped create a safe, inclusive, and intellectually stimulating learning environment.

Graduate Researcher – Synthetic Organic Chemistry Mar 2020 - Aug 2022

Chemistry department, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina

Designed and developed synthetic routes for novel bioactive molecules and molecular hybrids, contributing to early-stage drug discovery.

Proposed innovative synthetic strategies to optimize product yields and improve step economy.

Created and evaluated molecules with promising inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 mpro and acetylcholinesterase (AChE).

Collaborated in mechanistic studies of organic transformations, including reaction pathway proposals.

Gained hands-on expertise in a wide range of analytical techniques, including NMR (¹H, ¹³C), GC-MS, LC-MS, FT-IR, and UV-Vis.

Co-authored international peer-reviewed publications (in preparation), contributing to writing, data interpretation, and revisions.

Developed strong capabilities from molecular design to synthesis, structural elucidation, and scientific communication.

Applied logical reasoning and experimental design to reach and validate conclusions.

Undergraduate Researcher – Organic Synthesis of Bioactive Molecules Mar 2017 - Dec 2019

Universidade Federal de Santa Maria

Collaborated with multidisciplinary research groups on the design and synthesis of novel bioactive and organoselenium compounds, contributing to multiple academic projects and scientific publications.

Investigated heterocycle trifluoromethylation using MFSDA as a trifluoromethylating reagent during undergraduate thesis work.

Synthesized small molecules through multi-step organic reactions, developing expertise in reaction planning, optimization, and purification.

Analyzed compounds using advanced characterization techniques, including GC-MS, LC-MS, NMR (¹H, ¹³C), FT-IR, and UV-Vis spectroscopy.

Compiled and cleaned research data, and modeled results into graphs and spreadsheets for internal reporting and scientific communication.

Prepared presentation slides, research posters, and technical reports to summarize results and highlight the implications of findings.

Gained proficiency in software tools including MestreNova, ChemDraw, and GCMSsolution.

Cultivated a strong passion for scientific research, driving a commitment to laboratory excellence and continuous learning.

Education

Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC) - Brazil 2020 - 2022

Field of study: Organic Chemistry
Degree: Master's

My master's thesis was entitled "Synthesis of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitors: Molecular hybrids of dihydropyrimidinones and organoselenium compounds"

Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM) - Brazil 2016 - 2019

Field of study: Chemistry
Degree: BSc

My undergraduate thesis was entitled "Synthesis of 2-substituted 3-(trifluoromethyl)-4H-pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidin-4-ones via trifluoromethylation reaction using MFSDA"

Skills

Keywords: Analytical Instrumentation, antibody-drug conjugation, Bacterial culture, creative thinking, drug discovery, Electrochemistry, extraction techniques, FT-IR, GC-MS , innovation, laboratory, laboratory , NMR, organic chemistry, problem-solving, purification, research and development, Scientific writing, synthesis, teamwork, UV/Vis Spectroscopy

CV

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Contact details

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New opportunities

Open to new opportunities: Yes

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