Gomes Bruno

I have an extensive knowledge in vector biology presenting experience studying multiple insect vectors worldwide and broad technical expertise to carry laboratory and field experiments for evolutionary biology, functional genomics, and translational research to support vector control programs. I graduated from the Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto (Portugal) in 2006 with a B.Sc. (Hons) in Biology. As an undergraduate, I developed a significant interest in biodiversity and evolutionary genetics, so I carry a research project in the genetics of coat colour in dogs and wolves with Raquel Godinho (CIBIO-UP, PT). This breadth of experience resulted in a successful application for João Pinto’s research group (CMDT/IHMT, PT) working on mosquito evolution and systematics, where I initiate my doctoral project in 2008 about ecology and genetics of the mosquito Culex pipiens. This project provides my first international research experience as a visitor to the laboratory of Martin J. Donnelly (LSTM, UK). After the conclusion of the doctorate, I started a postdoctoral fellowship in the laboratory of Fernando Genta (Fiocruz/IOC, BR) working in functional genomics, specifically on the evolution of digestive processes in sand flies and kissing bugs (both vectors of neglected tropical diseases). This project allowed me to join two genome annotation consortiums. In May 2015, I joined LSTM (UK) as a postdoctoral research assistant working in insecticide resistance of sand flies in the Indian subcontinent (David Weetman’s group until 2016) and later in insecticide resistance of Aedes aegypti (Lisa Reimer’s group until 2017). In 2018, I moved back to Brazil to work in an international consortium aiming to develop alternative mosquito larvicides based on essential oils. In this project, I am responsible for the evaluation of larvicides in multiple mosquito populations, and semi-field/field experiments in natural settings.