Cristina Prudêncio

Cristina Prudêncio is a Professor Coordenadora Principal at the School of Health Sciences (ESS) of the Polytechnic Institute of Porto. She holds a PhD in Microbial Molecular Genetics from the University of Minho (2000) and a Medical Degree from the University of Coimbra (2012). She also completed a Master in Medical Pedagogy (2006) and a Title of Agregado in Health Education (2009). As the President of ESS, she oversees academic and technical-scientific coordination, including leading the 'Ciências Químicas e das Biomoléculas' research area and coordinating the Advanced Biotechnology PhD program with Universities of Vigo and Corunha. Her research focuses on biochemistry, antimicrobial agents, cancer therapy, and oxidative stress, with contributions in drug delivery systems and public health education.

Education:

• Biochemistry, University of Porto (1992)
• MSc in Microbial Molecular Genetics, University of Porto (1995)
• PhD in Microbial Molecular Genetics, University of Minho (2000)
• Medical Degree, University of Coimbra (2012)
• Master in Medical Pedagogy, University of Castilla-La Mancha (2006)
• Title of Agregado in Health Education, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (2009)

Research Interests: Her work spans bioactive peptides, ionic liquids in drug delivery, cancer treatment strategies, and antimicrobial resistance. She explores novel therapies for neurodegenerative diseases and investigates the gut-brain axis in Parkinson's disease. Her lab develops biosensors for respiratory diseases and studies the impact of environmental chemicals on aquatic organisms.

Labs/Teams: Coordinates research groups in the Chem Lab, Neuro Lab, and Biotechnology units at ESS. Leads initiatives like the PEPALHEIRA project (active edible coatings for food preservation) and Nasythor (natural/synthetic compounds for hormone-resistant tumors).