Camilla Renata Ribeiro Alves

Why FSU?

I chose Florida State University for the opportunity to pursue research in cellular and molecular biology while growing as both a scientist and an educator. FSU's collaborative research environment and opportunities for teaching and mentorship have made it a wonderful place to pursue these goals.

Motivation to pursue a graduate degree

My background in biomedical sciences and my experience working as a clinical laboratory scientist sparked my curiosity about the molecular mechanisms underlying human disease. I wanted to move beyond observing clinical outcomes and contribute to scientific discoveries that could ultimately improve human health.

Importance and/or impact of research and work

My doctoral research in the Jordan Lab focuses on understanding how a protein called YBX1 regulates lipid storage and glucose metabolism in human liver cancer cells under metabolic stress. Using molecular biology techniques, gene silencing, and metabolic analyses, I investigate how cells adapt to excess fatty acids and insulin. My goal is to improve understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying metabolic dysfunction, with potential relevance to liver diseases such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Ultimately, I hope these findings will contribute to scientific knowledge that can be translated into advances in human health.

Who has been influential in your graduate journey?

My research advisor, Dr. James M. Jordan, my Ph.D. committee members, and my colleagues in the Jordan Lab have inspired me through their guidance, expertise, and scientific curiosity. I am also grateful for the encouragement and support of my graduate coordinator, April Wooten, and the friendships I have built with fellow graduate students, who have made this journey even more meaningful. My experiences teaching and mentoring undergraduate students have further shaped the kind of scientist and mentor I aspire to become.

Career aspirations

I aspire to build a career in scientific research, contributing to our understanding of molecular biology, gene regulation, and metabolism. My goal is to publish impactful research and help translate scientific discoveries into advances that benefit society and improve human health. I also hope to remain actively involved in scientific collaboration, education, and mentorship, inspiring future generations of scientists.

Advice for anyone considering graduate school

If pursuing graduate school is your dream, go for it! Don't let fear or uncertainty hold you back, because some of the most rewarding experiences come from stepping outside your comfort zone. Surround yourself with people who inspire and support you, embrace the challenges, celebrate every small victory, and remember to enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

Accomplishments during graduate career

One of my proudest accomplishments has been having my doctoral research accepted for presentation at the international ASCB/EMBO Cell Bio 2026 conference and receiving an ASCB Travel Grant to support my participation. I am also proud of my contributions to undergraduate education at FSU, both as a teaching assistant supporting hundreds of students and as a research mentor in the Jordan Lab. These experiences are especially meaningful because they reflect my growth not only as a scientist but also as an educator and mentor who values sharing scientific knowledge with others.

ASCB Cell Bio 2026 Travel Grant (September 2026): Awarded $500 by the American Society for Cell Biology to support my travel and presentation of doctoral research at the ASCB/EMBO Cell Bio 2026 Annual Meeting in San Diego, California

Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) Scholarship, Florida State University (2024–present): Scholarship support and an in-state tuition waiver for eligible international students from Latin America and the Caribbean

Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award (OTAA) Nomination (January 2026): Nominated by Dr. Fanxiu Zhu for FSU's 2026 Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award in recognition of my contributions to undergraduate education in Prokaryotic Biology and Virology, particularly my subject expertise, professionalism, and dedication to student learning

Organizations you are part of at FSU

FSU Department of Biological Science – Jordan Lab (Ph.D. Researcher and Undergraduate Research Mentor)

FSU Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) – Research Mentor

FSU Bio Buddies – Graduate Student Mentor

FSU Center for Global Engagement (CGE) – Coffee Hours and International Student Community Activities

Hobbies outside academics

I love traveling, hiking, exploring national parks, and discovering new places and cultures. Spending time outdoors, reading and enjoying nature, and making memories with family and friends are some of my favorite ways to recharge and find balance outside academia.