Amanda Fortes Francisco
استادیار · Parasitic Diseases
Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicineمعرفی
Dr. Amanda Fortes Francisco is Assistant Professor in the Department of Infection Biology at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. She holds an MSc and PhD in Biological Sciences from the Federal University of Ouro Preto, Brazil, with expertise in parasitic disease pathogenesis and drug discovery. Her research utilizes advanced in vivo imaging systems to study Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma brucei, focusing on Chagas cardiomyopathy and Environmental Enteric Dysfunction (EED).
Her primary research areas include:
- Chagas disease pathogenesis with focus on inflammation and fibrosis
- In vivo imaging technology for tracking disease progression
- High-throughput screening for neglected disease drug discovery
- Interdisciplinary collaborations to accelerate therapeutic development
Dr. Francisco's 15 most recent publications demonstrate consistent focus on therapeutic interventions for trypanosome infections, with emerging themes including:
- Combination therapies for chronic Chagas disease
- Novel drug mechanisms targeting topoisomerases and DNA
- Validation of animal models for pathogenesis studies
- Application of bioluminescent imaging in efficacy evaluation
She serves in multiple institutional roles:
- Academic Lead for In Vivo Imaging Systems
- Member of Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Board
- Member of Flow Cytometry and Imaging Focus Group
- Member of Genetic Modification Safety Committee
Her teaching portfolio includes:
- Tutor for Distance Learning modules (IDM601, IDM203)
- Lecturer on Molecular and Cell Biology of Infectious Disease
- Supervisor of MSc research projects
- Trainer in animal and histological techniques
