I have a bachelors in Nanotechnology, Masters in Physics and I am currently pursuing a PhD in Biomedical Engineering. My work is focused on Neural Engineering - specifically Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for women's health.

My academic background has helped me cultivate a strong analytical mindset and expertise in biomaterials, biophysics and advanced experimental techniques.

My experience in industry has taught me the value of  wearing multiple hats, as well as the dynamics of project management and human studies. This experience has refined my leadership, strategic thinking, and execution skills.

Experience

Undergraduate Research Experience:

  • (2015-2017) INMETRO - Brazil

    • Fabrication and characterization of hybrid solar cells based on GaAs nanowires

  • (2017) Cambridge University - England

    • Investigation of phase transitions in ferroelectric materials with Resonant Ultrasound Spectroscopy

  • (2018) Beijing Institute of Technology - China

    • Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) training

Graduate Research Experience (2018-Present):

  • (2018-2020) Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology - Germany

    • Design, synthesis and functionalization of DNA nanostructures

  • (2024- Present) Neural Engineering Lab at CCNY - USA

    • Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) human studies focused on endocrine outcomes

  • (Present) Consultant for Safe Toddles - Pediatric Belt Canes - USA

Industry Experience:

  • (2021-2022) Head of Partnerships at startup Join Analytics

  • (2022-2024) Project Manager II at Bioagilytix

Publications:

  • Jessica Kretli Zanetti, Maria Celina Stefoni, Catarina Ferraz, Amelia Ryan, Atara Israel, Williams, Ryan M. “A near-infrared fluorescent aptananosensor enables selective detection of the stress hormone cortisol in artificial cerebrospinal fluid" Sens. Diagn., 4, 1103-1113 (2025).

  • Martin Glaser, Paul Mollenkopf, Dusan Prascevic, Catarina Ferraz, Josef A. Käs, Jörg Schnauß, David M Smith ”Systematic altering of semiflexible DNA-based polymer networks via tunable crosslinking” Nanoscale, 15, 7374 (2023)

  • Rebecca M. Smith, Jonathan Gardner, Finlay D. Morrison, Stephen E. Rowley, Catarina Ferraz, M. A. Carpenter, Jiasheng Chen, Jack Hodkinson, Si.n E. Dutton, J. F. Scott ”Quantum critical points in ferroelectric relaxors: Stuffed tungsten bronze K3Li2Ta5O15 and lead pyrochlore Pb2Nb2O7” Phys. Rev. Materials 2, 084409 (2018)

NANO

NANO

Published in 2022, "Nano" was a way I found to introduce children to the concepts explored in my master's thesis on DNA nanotechnology. In addition to the captivating story, the book also has an activity page that invites children to learn about the DNA double helix.

For the parents:

DNA nanotechnology uses DNA to build structures on the nanometer scale. The character Nano familiarizes kids with the structure of DNA, while playfully showing we build nanodevices for medical applications.

For the little ones:

Nano is very small, but he has big dreams! And to achieve them, he counts on the help of his little friends. Together they need to complete an important mission: to help their friend Celinha.

Currently only available in Portuguese.

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