Dr. Maisa Araujo | Entomologist | Best Researcher Award

Researcher, Fiocruz Rondônia, Brazil

Maisa da Silva Araujo is a researcher and professor specializing in parasitology, entomology, and tropical diseases. With a strong background in malaria vector biology and molecular biology, she is dedicated to advancing the understanding of parasite-vector interactions. Currently, she is an Associate Researcher at the Translational and Clinical Research Lab and a Professor at the University of Rondônia. She has contributed to the development of a unique mosquito colony used for malaria research and is working on liver-stage drug assays for Plasmodium vivax. As a Principal Investigator and co-investigator on multiple funded projects, her leadership in collaborative research has led to significant advancements in vector control and malaria transmission-blocking strategies. Araujo’s expertise and innovation continue to impact the global fight against malaria, bringing new insights into vector behavior, microbiota, and drug screening.

Profile

Orcid

Education

Maisa da Silva Araujo began her academic journey with a Bachelor’s in Biology from the Faculty of Education of Porto Velho (2004). She then completed her Master’s (2008) and PhD (2013) in Experimental Biology at the University of Rondônia, specializing in Malaria and Molecular Biology. Her academic path continued with postdoctoral research in Molecular Biology and Entomology at Brandeis University, USA (2017). Throughout her studies, Araujo focused on tropical disease vectors, particularly Anopheles darlingi, a primary malaria vector. This strong academic foundation laid the groundwork for her expertise in molecular biology, vector biology, parasitology, and the development of innovative platforms for mosquito colonies used in malaria research. Her education reflects a dedication to understanding the molecular dynamics of disease transmission, providing a crucial framework for her ongoing research endeavors.

Experience

Maisa Araujo has extensive experience in malaria research, vector biology, and molecular parasitology. She has led and contributed to numerous research projects on malaria transmission, vector control, and drug discovery. As a postdoctoral researcher at Brandeis University and FIOCRUZ-Rondônia, she developed innovative techniques for maintaining laboratory colonies of Anopheles darlingi and other malaria vectors, a crucial step in studying parasite-vector interactions. She is the Principal Investigator for multiple projects focused on transmission-blocking drugs and insecticide resistance in malaria vectors. Araujo also played a significant role in creating a platform for the evaluation of new compounds targeting the liver stages of Plasmodium vivax. Her expertise in managing complex projects and research teams, as well as her experience with international collaborations, has solidified her as a leading figure in the field of tropical disease research. Araujo’s leadership continues to shape the direction of malaria research in Brazil and globally.

Awards and Honors

Maisa da Silva Araujo has received numerous accolades for her pioneering work in malaria research and entomology. Notably, she was awarded the Young Trajectories in Malariology Award by the Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Brazil, in 2022. This honor recognized her significant contributions to advancing the understanding of malaria transmission and vector control strategies. Her research has also been supported by various prestigious grants, including funding from organizations like GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV). Araujo’s work in establishing laboratory colonies of malaria vectors and her contributions to drug screening platforms have earned her international recognition. Her ability to bridge the gap between research and practical applications in vector control and malaria prevention continues to earn her accolades from both national and international scientific communities.

Research Focus

Maisa Araujo’s research primarily focuses on understanding malaria transmission dynamics, with an emphasis on vector biology, parasite-vector interactions, and drug discovery. She has made significant advancements in establishing laboratory colonies of Anopheles darlingi and Anopheles deaneorum, crucial malaria vectors in Brazil, facilitating the study of their interactions with Plasmodium parasites. Araujo is also working on developing new platforms for testing antimalarial drugs targeting the liver stage of Plasmodium vivax. Her work in insecticide resistance surveillance and transmission-blocking strategies plays a critical role in malaria control efforts. By investigating the microbiota of mosquito vectors and their role in parasite transmission, Araujo’s research offers novel insights into vector behavior and ecology. She also focuses on screening new compounds for their potential to reduce malaria transmission, thereby contributing to the global goal of eliminating malaria. Her work has both scientific and practical implications for malaria control worldwide.

Publication Top Notes

1. “Case Report: Plasmodium vivax Sporozoite Melanization in the Midgut and Salivary Gland of the Malaria Vector Anopheles darlingi” 🦟🔬

2. “Transmission-reducing and -enhancing monoclonal antibodies against Plasmodium vivax gamete surface protein Pvs48/45” 💉🦠

3. “Transmission-blocking activity of antimalarials for Plasmodium vivax malaria in Anopheles darlingi” 💊🦟

4. “Optimization of Plasmodium vivax infection of colonized Amazonian Anopheles darlingi” 🦠🌿

5. “Bacterial Microbiota from Lab-Reared and Field-Captured Anopheles darlingi Midgut and Salivary Gland” 🦠🔬