Research interests
My broad research interest is to understand how the new insights in developmental biology could be integrated to evolutionary theory. I am especially interested in the so called “molecular analogy-homology paradox” (MHA) – referring to the problems raised by the use of homologous genes in the generation of what have classically been considered to be analogous structures in different phyla. The MHA resulted from comparative studies on developmental gene expression which has provided important information on the evolution of developmental mechanisms across distant taxa. One example of the MHA paradox is left-right determination in Bilateria.

I am currently involved in Cristina’s Grande project to study gene networks involved in the establishment of left-right asymmetry in snails. Through a comparative approach we would like to understand the evolutionary origin of the mechanisms involved in left-right determination.

Education & Research Experience
Staff Research Associate
Grupo de Pesquisa em História, Filosofia e Ensino de Ciências Biológicas
Universidade Federal da Bahia (Brazil)
2005-2008

M.S. in History and Philosophy of Science
Universidade Federal da Bahia & Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana (Brazil)
2002-2004

B.S. in Biology (emphasis in Ecology)
Universidade Federal da Bahia (Brazil)
1997-2002

B.S. in Medicine
Escola Baiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública (Brazil)
1996-2001