Mrs. Niedja Santos | Biological Sensitivity Awards | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Niedja Santos, Aveiro Univertsity, Portugal

Dr. Niedja da Silva Santos is a toxicologist specializing in the toxicological evaluation of chemical compounds, particularly pharmaceuticals and emerging pollutants. She holds a Ph.D. in Biology – Ecotoxicology from the University of Aveiro, Portugal, where she investigated the impact of caffeine on zebrafish. She also earned a Master’s in Toxicology and Ecotoxicology from the same institution and a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences from the Amazon Higher School in Brazil. Her research expertise includes genotoxic, biochemical, and statistical techniques for assessing toxicity biomarkers, with a focus on experimental models such as zebrafish and cellular assays. Dr. Santos has extensive teaching experience in ecology and experimental biology and is passionate about integrating toxicology and chemical safety concepts into education. She has collaborated with international research institutions, including the University of Brasília, and has conducted research on the toxicological effects of pharmaceuticals and heavy metals. Additionally, she has professional experience as a biomedical analyst in clinical pathology. Her work contributes to a deeper understanding of environmental toxicology and its implications for human and ecological health.

Professional Profile:

ORCID

Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award

Dr. Niedja da Silva Santos is a highly qualified toxicologist with a strong research background in Ecotoxicology. Her academic achievements, professional experience, and extensive contributions to toxicology research make her a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

🎓 Education

PhD in Biology – Ecotoxicology | University of Aveiro, Portugal (2024)
- Thesis: “Impact of caffeine on zebrafish: A case study with environmental levels”
- Supervised by Dr. Miguel Oliveira and Dr. Inês Domingues
Master’s in Toxicology and Ecotoxicology | University of Aveiro, Portugal (2017)
- Dissertation: “Danio rerio chronic exposure to carbamazepine, a multiparametric assessment – from biochemical to behavioural responses”
- Supervised by Dr. Inês Domingues, Dr. Miguel Oliveira, and Dr. Cesar Koppe Grisolia
Bachelor’s in Biomedical Science | Amazon Higher School, Brazil (2014)
- Project: “Diagnosis of hantavirus in Brazil”
- Supervised by Dr. Paula Laurindo
- University Exchange Program | School of Health Technology of Coimbra, Portugal (2012 – 2013)
  - Neurobiology, Organic Chemistry, Clinical Laboratory Practices, Hematology, and Blood Transfusion

💼 Work Experience

University of Aveiro, Portugal
- PhD Researcher in Biology – Ecotoxicology (2020 – 2024)
  - Conducted toxicological assessments on zebrafish, including biochemical, behavioural, and genotoxic evaluations
  - Research collaboration with the University of Brasília (2021 – 2022)
- Teaching Assistant (2021 – 2022)
  - Conducted practical classes in Biological Oceanography and Fundamentals of Ecology
Clinical Pathology Laboratory Dr. Paulo Azevedo – Porto Dias Hospital, Brazil (2014 – 2015)
- Biomedical Analyst in the Biochemical sector, analyzing biological samples for diagnostics
Volunteer Researcher | Federal Institute of Valparaíso de Goiás, Brazil (2018)

🏆 Achievements, Awards & Honors

Published toxicological research focusing on pharmaceuticals and emerging pollutants
Extensive experience in zebrafish models and molecular toxicology
Long-term research collaboration with international universities
Active role in teaching and mentoring students in ecology and toxicology

Publication Top Notes:

Chronic effects of carbamazepine on zebrafish: Behavioral, reproductive and biochemical endpoints

Carbamazepine induces the follicular development in zebrafish (Danio rerio) female gonads.

Chronic exposure to carbamazepine affects feeding and biochemical markers in zebrafish.

Prof. Manish Thakur, CSIR- Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore, India

Prof. M.S. Thakur is a distinguished scientist and academician with over 40 years of experience in research and development. He currently serves as the Professor and Head of the Bioengineering Research Centre and the Advanced Research Centre for Clean and Green Energy at Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology, Bangalore. Prior to this, he held prominent positions, including Chief Scientist and Director Grade (Retd.) at CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysore, and Head of the Fermentation Technology and Bioengineering Department at CSIR-CFTRI. He also contributed to academia as a Visiting Professor at Mysore University and Mangalore University (2014-2016).

🎓 Education & Work Experience

Current Position: Professor & Head, Bioengineering Research Centre & Advanced Research Centre for Clean and Green Energy, Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology, Bangalore.

Former Positions:

🏅 Chief Scientist & Director Grade (Retd.), CSIR-CFTRI, Mysore.
🧪 Head, Fermentation Technology & Bioengineering Dept., CSIR-CFTRI, Mysore.
🎓 Visiting Professor, Mysore University & Mangalore University (2014-2016).

International Experience:

🌍 Visiting Scientist at MIT (USA), University of Maryland (USA), EPFL (Switzerland), Lund University (Sweden), Melbourne University (Australia) & more.

⚖️ Expert Committees & Board Memberships

🇮🇳 Govt. of India Committees:

🧨 Expert Committee Member on Explosive Detection (Principal Scientific Adviser, PMO).
🏛️ DST, ICMR, UGC, FSSAI – Various expert panels.

🏛️ Board Memberships:

Board of Governors, NDRF, Institute of Engineers (India)
Board of Directors, Biotechnology Council, Govt. of Madhya Pradesh