Next Chapter: I chose KUMC for my Postdoc

The transition from a PhD to a postdoc is one of the most critical turning points in a scientist’s career. It dictates not just where you will live, but the trajectory of your future independent research. Over the past few months, I have been incredibly fortunate to consider several outstanding postdoctoral offers from top-tier institutions across both Europe and the United States. After careful consideration, I am thrilled to announce that I will join the University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC) at Dr. Chad Slawson’s laboratory!

In the field of O-GlcNAcylation, Chad is undeniably one of the best researchers in the world today but, beyond his scientific pedigree, he is also an incredible person! High-level science requires rigor, but it also requires a supportive environment to take risks. I wanted a mentor who could push my boundaries while fostering a collaborative culture, and Chad embodies exactly that.

In addition, this decision is a deliberate disruption of my comfort zone. My previous work provided me with a deep, fundamental understanding of how O-GlcNAc regulates biology across different organisms. Going to KUMC is a strategic move to drastically expand my skill set and pivot into complex mammalian physiology, where I will learn state of the art new techniques to map cellular processes at an unprecedented resolution, in established in vivo mouse models already set up and running in the lab. The final goal will be to understand how O-GlcNAcylation regulates the progression of Alzheimer's, a disease which prevalence is increasing year after year in Brazil.

I couldn't be more excited to get to work! The next chapter begins soon, in June 2026!!