by Isabelle Condor
My internship in the Cellular Biology lab at Fiocruz in Brazil has been so inspiring with hands-on work and meaningful engagement with the institute’s mission.
Fiocruz is a public research institute that promotes public health and biomedical research in Brazil and Latin America, with a focus on addressing diseases that disproportionately affect low-income populations.
In the lab, I got to work on a research project focused on developing experimental chemotherapy for Chagas disease, a neglected tropical disease that affects millions of people across Latin America and has increasingly become a global health issue.
During my first week, I learned how to work with synthesized compounds, how to apply them in the animal models, and assist with the preparation of experimental solutions, a process that gave me insight into the ethical biomedical practices that are necessary to protect the life of the animals and infected patients.
I also learned how to isolate macrophages, which are key immune cells that engulf and digest pathogens. And I learned how to stain both macrophages and cardiomyocytes, the muscle cells that enable the heart to contract.
These staining techniques are essential for enhancing the visualization of cellular structures under the microscope.
One highlight: After completing essential training sessions, I was able to collect and handle mice, as well as perform macrophage collection, without the need for supervision. This was an important step in consolidating my skills and confidence in the lab.
Outside the lab, I got to participate in weekly seminars and lab meetings where researchers present and discuss the latest advances in the field. These conversations have deepened my understanding of how science evolves through collaboration and shared knowledge.
I also got to work alongside visiting researchers from Belgium, learning firsthand how international partnerships are essential to advancing drug development for neglected diseases.
It’s inspiring to witness the way this lab brings together scientists from different backgrounds and countries to work toward a common goal: improving global health.
I’m so grateful to be learning from passionate scientists who are committed to creating solutions for communities often left out of healthcare discussions.
Fun fact: “I had the unexpected opportunity to meet Natália Falavigna, a Brazilian world medalist in Taekwondo, who happened to be visiting the institute, and she took a picture of our lab team!
