Experience

Universidad Central del Caribe

• Higher Education
• 100 - 200 Employee

• Assistant Professor of Medicine

  • Mar 2018 - Present

  I'm Janaina Alves is currently an Assistant Professor at the Universidad Central del Caribe – School of Medicine (UCC) in Puerto Rico. My expertise is focused on cellular differentiation and neuroprotection. However, I have had experience in clinical research studying HIV-HPV while obtaining my Master’s degree. As a doctoral fellow at the University of São Paulo-Brazil, I carried out experiments examining the role of the peptide bradykinin in neural progenitor cell differentiation. Bradykinin is released in normal conditions but increased secretion is found in pathological conditions.At Universidad Central del Caribe, I expanded my knowledge and my areas of research interest. I started a project to study the immunomodulatory effect of Imiquimod in the enhancement of the HIV-specific immune response on a DNA vaccination platform. We hypothesize that Imiquimod will enhance the immune response of HIV-specific mediated DNA vaccine against HIV antigens. I have had success in obtaining a small pilot grant from the PRCTRC at UCC. My professional long-term goal is to develop an active research program in neuroscience with a focus on translational research aimed to alleviate the neurocognitive deficits associated with HIV/AIDS. My project and the department provide the optimal environment for my success in the biomedical research field. During the past years, I have become more independent and have begun to mentor undergraduate students due to the UCC RCMI Program and PRCTRC Consortium. Our research group constantly discusses data, for different purposes. In addition, the department and the University support the developing skills of junior scientists, providing all the necessary resources, advice, and support for personnel in the laboratory, which includes undergraduate, graduate students, and technicians. Show less

• Assistant Professor Phd

  • Mar 2018 - Mar 2018

• Assistant Professor

  • Oct 2016 - Mar 2018