About
As a PhD student in Bioinformatics I work on software engineering, machine learning, omics, structural biology and chemoinformatics. My research applies deep learning, focusing on generative models, to develop an antimicrobial language that generates synthetic compounds inspired by the immune systems of diverse organisms. The goal is actionable routes to new therapeutics against antimicrobial resistance using scalable in silico methods.
I am a Nextflow Ambassador, a specialist in data science and analytics and an MBA student in software engineering, which grounds the research work in reproducible workflows, data governance and software architecture.
During my MSc in Genetics and Molecular Biology I developed AMPidentifier, a machine learning tool that identifies antimicrobial sequences in genomic and proteomic data. My BSc is in Biomedical Sciences, with a concentration in bioinformatics and clinical pathology.
Skills
6 groups
Bioinformatics
Genomics & Transcriptomics
Genome Assembly
Genome Mining and Annotation
Molecular & Structural Biology
Protein & Membrane Modeling
Protein Design
Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Pipeline Development
AI, Data & Scripting
Machine Learning
Data Analysis & Visualization
Data Engineering & Governance
Git & Version Control
Python, Bash & Java
MySQL & PostgreSQL
Linux/Unix Systems
Docker & Containerization
Snakemake & Nextflow
HPC Workload Management
Product / Project Management
Product Lifecycle Management
Agile Methodologies (Scrum, Kanban)
User-Centered Design (UCD)
Roadmap Development
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Market & User Research
Lean Product Development
Design Thinking
Tools & Platforms
Figma, Miro, Jira, Trello & Azure
Prototyping & Wireframing
Customer Journey Mapping
Version Control & Release Management
Google Workspace & Notion
Tableau & PowerBI
Collaboration & Communication
Cross-Functional Team Leadership
Stakeholder Management
Technical & Business Communication
Complex Problem-Solving
Data Storytelling
Key Soft Skills
Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Creativity & Innovation
Adaptability
Teamwork
Experience
9 roles
Scientific Researcher — PhD Student
PhD in Bioinformatics at UFMG, focused on deep learning, genomics, and structural biology, specifically in the characterization and design of antimicrobial peptides. Research involves developing computational models for membrane interactions and conducting molecular dynamics simulations to enhance peptide stability and functionality.
Aug 2024 — Present
Nextflow Ambassador
Selected as a Nextflow Ambassador to advocate for scalable and reproducible data analysis workflows within the scientific community. Role involves disseminating best practices in pipeline orchestration, engaging with the open-source ecosystem, and facilitating the adoption of Nextflow for high-performance and cloud computing in bioinformatics.
Jan 2026 — Present
Scientific Researcher — Master's Student
Developed AMP-Identifier, a machine learning-based tool to identify antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in genomic sequences. The project involved applying computational techniques to analyze large datasets, enabling the discovery of new molecules and molecular signatures, contributing to advancements in bioinformatics and potential therapeutic applications.
Jun 2022 — Jul 2024
Research & Development Analyst
Worked on the development of applications for IoT solutions that use computer vision for pattern recognition in clinically relevant images. Responsibilities included prototyping, developing, and validating systems.
Oct 2020 — Aug 2023
Undergraduate Researcher Fellow
Conducted research in Bioinformatics aimed at the characterization and optimization of bio-inspired antimicrobial peptides. Additionally, worked on the investigation of eIF4E sequences in Vigna species, focusing on their potential roles in plant defense mechanisms against pathogens.
Jan 2020 — May 2022
Clinical Pathology Intern
Engaged in activities related to Clinical Pathology within the Clinical Analysis Laboratory at HC/UFPE, specifically in Sample Screening, Hematology, Biochemistry, Urinalysis, Microbiology, Hormone Testing and Serology.
Oct 2021 — Mar 2022
Research, Technological Development and Innovation Intern
Contributed to the development of solutions for the molecular diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2.
Apr 2020 — Aug 2020
Undergraduate Researcher Fellow
Engaged in activities in Structural Biology and Theoretical/Computational Chemistry, focusing on Molecular Modeling and Protein Engineering for diagnostic and vaccine purposes in the Department of Virology and Experimental Therapy.
Nov 2016 — Dec 2019
Undergraduate Researcher Fellow
Developed scientific activities in the Molecular Biology sector in the areas of Human Genetics and Bioinformatics, with an emphasis on Forensic Genetics, Ancestry Markers and Phenotype Prediction.
May 2015 — Dec 2016
Education
5 degrees
PhD in Bioinformatics (Ongoing)
Focusing on machine learning for the identification and design of antimicrobial peptides and the analysis of immune-related biological compounds encoded in multi-omic data. Currently developing scalable in silico methods for the generation of antimicrobial compounds using Transformer-based models.
MBA in Software Engineering (Ongoing)
Curriculum encompasses full-stack development using Python and JavaScript, microservices architecture, DevOps methodologies, cloud computing with Docker and Kubernetes, information security, and data engineering.
Specialization in Data Science and Analytics (2026)
Advanced training in data-driven decision-making through data analysis, statistics and machine learning. Emphasis on Python, data visualization and exploratory analysis.
MSc in Genetics and Molecular Biology — Emphasis in Bioinformatics (2024)
Developed AMP-Identifier, a machine learning-based tool for genome mining focused on the discovery of bioactive molecules. Conducted the first comprehensive characterization of defensins in R. communis, integrating genomic, transcriptomic and structural biology analyses.
BSc in Biomedical Sciences — Emphasis in Clinical Pathology and Bioinformatics (2022)
Gained practical experience in hospital laboratories and molecular biology research environments. Undergraduate thesis focused on the eIF4E gene family and the impact of mutations on protein synthesis and susceptibility to viruses that hijack the host translation machinery.
Certifications
13 items
Generative AI
2025
Agile Project Management Professional Certificate
2025
Career Essentials in Project Management
2025
Data-Driven Product Management
2025
Microsoft Azure AI Essentials: Workloads and Machine Learning
2025
Requirements Engineering and Agile Product Management
2025
The Data Science of Healthcare, Medicine, and Public Health
2025
Advanced Gemini for Developers
2024
Career Essentials in GitHub Professional Certificate
2024
Project Management
2024
Python Programming from Basic to Advanced
2022
Bioinformatics with Python
2022
More Achievements
Publications
7 papers
The Regulatory Army of Plant Defense: Transcription Factors in the War for Plant Immunity
vol. 27, p. 7315, 2026
Unveiling Three Functionally Diverse Isoforms of eIF4E in Cowpea Through a Multi-Omics Approach
vol. 16, p. 766, 2026
Transposable elements: Functional aspects and applications as drivers of crop innovation
vol. 66, p. e70257, 2026
Deciphering Cowpea Resistance to Potyvirus: Assessment of eIF4E Gene Mutations and Their Impact on the eIF4E-VPg Protein Interaction
2025
Omics-driven bioinformatics for plant lectins discovery and functional annotation — A comprehensive review
p. 135511, 2024
Association strength of E6 to E6AP/p53 complex correlates with HPV-mediated oncogenesis risk
vol. 113, no. 10, p. e23524, 2022
Approaches for Identification and Validation of Antimicrobial Compounds of Plant Origin: A Long Way from the Field to the Market
pp. 183–222, 2022
Talks
22 talks
Compositional Analysis of α-Helical Proteins Suggests Preserved Prebiotic Constraints Congress
Development of a ML-Based Workflow for Identification of Antimicrobial Peptides Sequences in Genomic Data Congress
Assessment of eIF4E Isoforms in Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp): From Genome Mining to Structural Profiling Congress
Development of a Machine Learning Based Workflow for Identification of AMP Sequences in Genomic Data Congress
Pairing Up for Plant Protection: An In Silico Look at R. communis Defensins Dimerization Congress
Structural Assessment of Ricinus communis Defensins and Insights into Their Dimerization Dynamics Conference
Mining AMPs and Insights into Their Dynamics Congress
AMP-Identifier: A Machine Learning–Based Tool for Identifying Antimicrobial Peptide Sequences in Genomic Data Congress
Structural Prediction of the eIF4E and eIF4G in the Leish-eIF4F Complex Conference
Molecular Basis of E6/E6AP/p53 in HPV-Mediated Oncogenesis Provides Insights into Inhibitory Strategies Congress
Designing Inhibitors for the E6/E6AP/p53 Complex Conference
Assessing the Conformational Dynamics and Stability of E6/E6AP/p53 in HPV-Mediated Oncogenesis Conference
Structural Analysis of the E6/E6AP/p53 Ternary Complex Associated with HPV-Mediated Oncogenesis Conference
Applications of Bioinformatics Tools in Forensic Genetics: Predicting Phenotype and Biogeographic Ancestry in 1000 Genomes Populations Symposium
Extraction and Characterization of Human mtDNA Haplogroup from Whole Genome Sequencing Data Symposium
Characterization of Mitochondrial DNA and Inference of Maternal Ancestry in Individuals from Pernambuco Congress
Genetic Association between IL1B Polymorphism and Lower Susceptibility to Photosensitivity in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients Congress
Mitochondrial DNA Analysis and Inference of Maternal Ancestry in Admixed Individuals from Pernambuco, Brazil Congress
Analysis of Mitochondrial Inheritance and Maternal Ancestry in Admixed Individuals from Pernambuco Conference
Prevalence of the Sickle Cell Disease Allele in 1000 Genomes Populations and Its Relationship with Skin Color and Genetic Ancestry Symposium
Interactive Seminars in a Biochemistry Course for Undergraduate Biomedicine: Benefits and Problems of Carbohydrates in Modern Life Congress
Evaluation of the Efficacy of the MiSeq-FGx Forensic System in 1000 Genomes Populations Symposium
Awards
11 awards
Next Generation Bioinformatician (NGB) — 21st International Conference of the Brazilian Association for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (X-Meeting 2025)
Travel Grant Award, School on Biological Physics and Biomolecular Simulations in the Machine Learning Era — ICTP-SAIFR
Honorable Mention — Human and Forensic Genetics (CNPq/UFPE)
Young Geneticist Award of the Northeast (XXI Northeast Genetics Meeting — ENGNE)
Honorable Mention — Postgraduate Genetics Journey (UFPE)
Best Poster Award — XIII Journey of the Genetics and Molecular Biology Program
Travel Grant Award, AI for Protein Design (AI4PD) — The Protein Society
Certificate of Excellence in the Peer Reviewing — Elsevier
Highest Admission Score — Ranked first overall among all accepted applicants to the Master's Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology at UFPE
Highest Admission Score — Ranked first overall among all accepted applicants to the PhD Program in Bioinformatics at UFMG
Honorable Mention — Pernambuco Chemistry Olympiad (OPEQ), National Chemistry Olympiad Program & Pernambuco Science Space
Teaching
8 courses
Molecular Docking & Dynamics: Breathing Motion into Life's Building Blocks — 2nd Edition
2025
Molecular Modeling with Machine Learning Techniques — 2nd Edition
2025
Molecular Docking & Dynamics: Breathing Motion into Life's Building Blocks — 1st Edition
2025
Molecular Modeling with Machine Learning Techniques — 1st Edition
2025
Bioinformatics: A Theoretical-Practical Approach
2024
Introduction to Bioinformatics: From DNA to Proteins: Databases, Annotation and Protein Modeling Techniques
2022
Human Genetics
2017–2018
Molecular Tools Applied to Clinical Diagnosis
2017–2018
Materials
9 reposCode
6 reposBio Signal Hub
Bio Signal Hub is also available as a Python CLI providing a hub of tools for structural bioinformatics analyses. The website offers automated graph generation and 3D protein visualisation. Both are under active development.
PyMol Vitral
Visualisation presets for PyMOL, aimed at molecular simulation systems: lipid bilayers, proteins and peptides. The protocol splits the loaded system into independent objects, applies a calibrated material and exposes numbered presets that combine one representation per component. It runs on PyMOL 2.x, open-source or incentive, with no external dependencies.
Ghost in the Fold
Fourteen models read one by one: AlphaFold 2 and 3, the ESM line from ESM-2 to ESM C and ESMFold2, ProteinMPNN, LigandMPNN and the RFdiffusion family. Seven of them carry a clickable architecture diagram, component by component, with the tensor each one passes on. Every number traces to the paper or the model card it came from, and the weights column was checked against the registry. Seven interactive labs run the mechanics in the browser: masked prediction, a real attention head, and frozen against full against LoRA adaptation. English and Portuguese.
Gallery
6 images
Opinion
11 videos
The Thinking Game — DeepMind Documentary
Takes you on a journey into the heart of DeepMind, capturing a team striving to unravel the mysteries of intelligence and life itself. Filmed over five years by the award-winning team behind AlphaGo.
Hello Nextflow — Training Course Part 1
First part of the Hello Nextflow training course: a very basic domain-agnostic Hello World example, progressively built up to demonstrate the usage of foundational Nextflow logic and components.
Python: The Documentary — An Origin Story
The story of the world's most beloved programming language. What began as a side project in Amsterdam during the 1990s became the software powering artificial intelligence, data science and some of the world's biggest companies.
Why Building New Proteins from Scratch Is Our New Superpower — David Baker | TED
Biochemist David Baker explores his team's Nobel Prize-winning work using AI to design new proteins with functions never before seen in nature.
BindCraft — One-Shot Design of Functional Binders
Overview of current binder design tools and conceptual explanation of BindCraft's central hallucination process that engages loss and confidence metrics to predict sequence from structure.
AI and Drug Discovery
The biggest problems in the world might be solved by tiny molecules unlocked using AI.
The 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry — Protein Design and Structure Prediction
Inside story of how David Baker, Demis Hassabis and John Jumper won the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for advances in computer-assisted protein design and structure prediction.
Satya Nadella on AGI, Topological Qubits and Microsoft
Satya Nadella on why he does not believe in AGI but does believe in 10% economic growth, Microsoft's new topological qubit breakthrough and gaming world models.
Tracing the Thoughts of a Large Language Model — Anthropic
AI models are trained and not directly programmed, so we do not understand how they do most of the things they do. Anthropic's researchers have taken significant steps towards understanding the circuits that underlie an AI model's thoughts.
ESM3 — Simulating 500 Million Years of Evolution with a Language Model
ESM3 is a generative language model for programming biology. Researchers found ESM3 can simulate 500M years of evolution to generate new fluorescent proteins.
Finding Answers, Building Hope — Alexander Disease and AI
When Thomas Wagner's son received a diagnosis of Alexander disease, a rare genetic disorder, he set out to learn everything he could. Through these conversations, Thomas has helped jumpstart new research into potential treatments.