This month we chat with Juliana M. Sá, MSc, PhD, a staff scientist at the Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research (LMVR), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH). While completing her PhD at the University of São Paulo, Sá received a fellowship working alongside ASTMH Past President Thomas Wellems, MD, PhD, FASTMH, in the malaria genetics section at the LMVR. When she's not in the lab, she enjoys cooking plant-based recipes and organic gardening.
1) You attended your first ASTMH Annual Meeting eight years ago and you’ve been a member ever since (thank you). What keeps drawing you to the Society?
I see the ASTMH as a major scientific society for researchers investigating tropical diseases. The Society’s activities have global impact, as represented by its diverse membership of researchers from many nations. The interaction with brilliant scientists eager to answer pressing scientific questions in infectious and tropical diseases keeps me drawn to the Society.
2) You’re an active member of the American Committee of Molecular, Cellular and Immunoparasitology (ACMCIP). How does this affect your overall ASTMH experience?
Involvement in a scientific committee, in general, is a great way to learn and contribute to the Society. It provides a great opportunity to exchange ideas with leaders in the field. Active participation in the ACMCIP allowed me to closely network with other scientists focused on molecular parasitology. Chairing sessions is a great way to meet young and established investigators and expand my understanding of a variety of topics outside my scientific niche.
3) Tell us about what you’re working on now at NIH’s Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research.
Recently, working with Dr. Thomas Wellems and an amazing group of colleagues, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to complete two new human malaria genetic crosses to untangle mechanisms of drug resistance. Everything is fresh and new (and exciting!), and we are working hard to report results to the community soon.
Genetic crosses are powerful tools to identify markers of parasite drug resistance and other important phenotypes. The discovery of pfcrt, the P. falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter gene, by Dr. Wellems’s group represents a landmark in genetics and antimalarial resistance research. The identification of this marker allowed epidemiological studies to map parasite resistance and informs treatment policies, essential for malaria control and elimination. It also provided the basis for understanding structure-activity relationships in the development of new and more effective antimalarials.
To investigate the very worrisome spread of P. falciparum artemisinin resistance, we crossed a parasite line with a clinical history of delayed parasite clearance following artesunate treatment with a nonhuman-primate-adapted line. In collaboration with a great number of talented scientists, we isolated almost one hundred unique segregants and are now phenotyping and genotyping progeny clones to map the gene(s) linked to artemisinin response.
To my complete delight, I also had the wonderful and unique opportunity to complete a P. vivax genetic cross to investigate chloroquine resistance that is thought to be independent of mutations in pvcrt, the pfcrt homolog in P. vivax. Because P. vivax still cannot be efficiently cultivated in vitro, the entire parasite life cycle was reproduced in vivo in the laboratory. The process was enlightening and produced intriguing results, which I hope to report in the near future. To understand how P. vivax escapes antimalarial treatment will be key in the broader goal of malaria elimination!
4) Are there any unique challenges or benefits as a female scientist in what is often thought of as a heavily male profession?
I think a career in science, as a woman, is as challenging as any other demanding career. Truly, all my worries regarding my gender have been focused on the fact that I am the only one capable of carrying a child in my marriage! That certainly requires more time flexibility, but nowadays there are many programs supporting women as they build both families and their careers in science. The NIH Working Group on Women in Biomedical Careers is a prime example. The Association for Women in Science is also a great resource for networking, activities and workshops. I feel very fortunate to be part of a generation that allows any person, regardless of gender, to pursue a career for which he/she is passionate. I am also very thankful I have a husband who sees parenthood and household tasks as truly shared responsibilities.
5) As a scientist originally from outside the U.S., what do you think is the international impact of ASTMH?
The ASTMH is a true international organization. Even when I was a PhD student in Brazil, the “TropMed” meeting (ASTMH Annual Meeting) was seen as one of the most important scientific meetings to attend and present results. I dreamt of participating, and now I am very happy and proud to be an active member of the Society. Travel awards are especially important in encouraging international participation in the events. I also think the AJTMH is a very important source for tropical diseases investigators from all over the world.
6) ASTMH is very focused on helping younger members advance in their careers. What more can the Society do to help early-career researchers who are just getting started as we face a challenging funding environment here in the U.S. and in many countries around the world?
ASTMH can support young investigators by providing a forum for them to promote their research and reach funding organizations. A couple of ideas that come to mind include a possible “Member Profile” publication for first-year or young members, and invited “turbo talks” on selected posters. This is a great way to highlight findings from numerous posters through a very short presentation. It is also a great way for young researchers to get into the practice of speaking about their research.
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ASTMH members are the best and the brightest in their field. Our member interviews highlight our diverse and growing membership. To read other member profiles, click here.