My major was in Chemistry (2004), but recently I became very interested in neuroscience. This may sound odd, just as though being Brazilian I can’t dance samba or play soccer well. Actually, I majored in Chemistry to acquire a solid basis in the physical sciences, which will help me to do research in modern Biology.

My interest in neuroscience began in my research project with Prof. Etelvino J. H. Bechara of the University of Sao Paulo, in which during the past 3 years we studied the neurotoxic effects of 5-aminolevulinic acid, a substance that accumulates in patients suffering from lead poisoning.

My interest in this field grew partly because I think that neuroscience will, eventually, (well, perhaps not during my life time), provide us with a profound understanding of ourselves, because all of our hopes and miseries are but a consequence of the activity of our brains.

I think that the study of the mechanisms underlying human consciousness is one of the most challenging problems of biology, and that this research will give rise to a revolution in science and society. That is why I would like to continue to study neuroscience at Columbia, if possible in a research project that studies the molecular or cellular events in complex processes such as learning or memory.

During my free time, if I have any, I will continue to compose songs, draw sketches, go out with friends and play mediocre soccer. I also hope I am going to have the time and energy (and the money as well!) to enjoy what Columbia and NYC have to offer.

International Conference Proceedings:

- "Oxidative Damage of GABAa Receptors by 5-Aminolevulinate" - A. Adhikari, C. A. A. Penatti, L.

R. G. Britto and E. J. H. Bechara - Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 36, Suppl. 1, S89 (2004).