WHO WE ARE
Group leader I have been fascinated by chromosome morphology ever since my PhD work where I studied the process of chromosome condensation during nuclear division. I have then moved to Oxford to focus on the problem of sister chromatid cohesion and explore new techniques for acute protein inactivation. After a period abroad, I returned to Portugal in 2012 to start my independent line of research aiming at redefining the role of mitotic chromosomes during nuclear division. My major tasks are to run the lab and support a highly motivated team. My non-academic interests include Argentine tango, creative sewing, cinema and travel. 
RESEARCH TECHNICIAN I joined the CHR lab in 2024. During my first research experience, I started studying oxidative stress and its connection with the extracellular matrix. At the microscope, I fell in love with the cytoskeleton and cell division! After some time working on centrosomes, I joined the CHR lab to explore the cell division world. I am interested in how mitotic transcription inactivation is regulated in both human cells and the lovely Drosophila melanogaster model system. I love photography, traveling and hiking, but most people know me for my interest in going out with friends for a nice dinner or drink! 
Neide Silva research technician (Jointly supervised by Paulo Navarro-Costa) I joined the CHR lab in September of 2021. I have a degree in Biology and currently I’m doing my MSc in Evolutionary and Development Biology. In the lab I work with Drosophila and my project is focused on the effects of condensin II in shaping the complex transcriptome of male meiotic cells. Outside of the lab, I really enjoy reading, cooking/baking, and true crime documentaries. |
Lab Manager I joined the CHR Lab in October 2013 but have worked in Cell Biology since 2008. I am here to help Raquel managing the lab and to help other people in whatever they need. I participate in everyone’s work which is a great way to have a broader view of the different projects in the lab. 
Phd student (IBB 2021) I am a member of the CHR group since November 2020. After my MSc in Molecular Biology in Italy, I decided to dig deep into chromosome dynamics – and I couldn’t have joined a more stimulating lab! Here I am helping to better decipher how transcription is shut down during mitosis in Drosophila, a surprising model organism. 
(co-supervised by inês Milagre) I am from Almada, and after experiencing many applied sciences areas I decided I wanted to work in fundamental research. I have been at CHR Lab since September 2019, where I was a research technician working with induced pluripotent stem cells chromosome segregation fidelity. In January 2021 I started my PhD following the work I have been doing with a primary focus on chromosome condensation. My main interests outside the lab are cooking confusing and challenging meals and desserts, I enjoy reading books. I love to travel and interact with other cultures, and I really like my video camera, sometimes people say I am annoying for wanting to record every moment. 
Eva Marandet PhD Student (CohesiNet MSCA Doctoral network) I joined the CHR lab in September of 2023, after graduating from a master degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology, specializing in Cell Genetics and Pathologies. I’m currently working with Drosophila and human cells to better understand the functioning of cohesin, a key protein involved in the cohesion of sister chromatids. Outside of the lab, I love to travel, exercise, watch movies and cook! |
post doc I joined the CHR lab in 2019. I am a stem cell biologist interested in understanding why pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) are prone to making mistakes during mitosis. I am focusing my research in understanding the control and regulation of the mitotic machinery in PSCs and trying to increase mitotic fidelity in these cells. When I'm not in the lab I am learning a lot with my 3 year old son and his take on life. I also like to be in the kitchen (sometimes with my little helper) trying to veganise typical Portuguese recipes. 
PhD student (2020 IBB) I joined the amazing CHR lab in April 2021 to develop my PhD project. After spending two years studying the biology of the malaria parasite Plasmodium, I decided I wanted to switch gears for my PhD. Now at the CHR lab I am interested in studying the impact that mitotic transcription inactivation might have in stem cells and their cell fate decisions, merging the two fantastic worlds of cell biology and developmental biology! 
I joined the CHR in the summer of 2017, seduced by beautiful live imaging
videos and the molecular strategy behind them. Couldn't choose a better
lab to do my PhD, not only am I always challenged intellectually but found
also a group of friends that I will always take with me. My focus is on
how histones contribute to mitotic chromosome architecture and maintenance
as well as a new research twist: understanding how transcription is
shutdown upon mitosis. Outside of the lab I love to go to concerts and
travel as much as possible. |
Post doc My interest in mitotic chromosomes introduced me to the CHR family, which warmly welcomed me in November 2021. After obtaining my PhD at the Barts Cancer Institute, where I studied chromosome segregation errors and aneuploidy in cancer, I decided to move here to deepen my knowledge on chromosome biology during cell division. In the lab I am under an exciting ERC project focused on how human chromosomes become suddenly transcriptionally silent upon mitosis onset, and every now and then I'm trying to catch some of the interesting features of the fruitfly from the many experts in the lab. If you don't find me at the bench I am probably having a coffee. Loving yoga, but always looking for new lively activities! 
Ana Catarina Dias master student During my master's degree in Biochemistry for Health I was introduced to the exciting world of chromosomes throughout the cell cycle, and soon realized that I wanted to discover more about it. For that reason, I joined the CHR Lab to develop my master's thesis in September 2023. Since then, apart from learning with the sweetest team what it means to be a fundamental scientist, I have been identifying and characterizing novel regulators of mitotic fidelity. Outside the Lab, I love to travel and I am passionate about all types of handmade projects that stimulate creativity 
Visitor Scientist |
photo credits: IGC
Allumni
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