Louana Bessa Ceiça

EDUCATION

College / University

Bremen City University of Applied Sciences

Highest Degree

Bachelor of Science

Major Subjects

Biology

Germany

Lab Experience

SDS-PAGE, gel electrophoresis, Western Blotting, PCR, ELISA, recombinant protein production, protein purification (affinity chromatography, size exclusion chromatography), plasmid mapping, DNA isolation, thin layer chromatography, bacterial cultivation, plasmid transformation, protein quantification (Bradford, spectrophotometry, fluorescence spectrophotometry), protein conjugation, histology (hematoxylin and eosin staining), electrophysiology (cell-attached and whole-cell patch clamping, aCSF and cutting solution preparation), brain tissue preparation (ex vivo using vibratome, in vitro using cryostat), rodent behavioral analysis (open-field tests)

Projects / Research

2025: Bachelor’s thesis “Investigation of a fluorescence-based detection system for target proteins: conjugation of in E. coli expressed eGFP with secondary antibodies for ELISA applications”
2024: Active participation in research on whole-cell patch clamp dissection of cerebellar microcircuit function during internship at Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC) Coimbra

Scholarships / Awards

2025 - 2026:	Stipend by the International Max Planck Research School
2024:	Erasmus+ Traineeship Stipend, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC) Coimbra
2023 - 2024:	Erasmus+ Study Stipend, University of Coimbra
2020:	First place award in Jugend forscht contest

SCIENTIFIC INTERESTS AND GOALS

I am particularly interested in research that bridges basic mechanisms with human relevance, such as the neural processes underlying addiction, neurological diseases, or the role of hormones and emotions in brain development. I am also fascinated by how music and other cognitive factors shape brain function. At the same time, I remain open to exploring the full breadth of neuroscience, inspired by its interdisciplinary nature that connects molecular biology, psychology, and philosophy. My overarching goal is to contribute to a deeper understanding of the brain’s complexities and their impact on human behavior and cognition.