I am interested in how individual differences are connected to drugs addiction, such as alcohol and nicotine. My areas of expertise include fish physiology, behaviour, coping styles, learning and memory using zebrafish as a research animal.

More information about Heloysa Araújo Silva

Research

I am a researcher in the field of Psychobiology, and my focus is on animal behaviour, fish cognition, and the effects of drug abuse on learning and memory. My primary research area involves studying alcohol and nicotine dependence and their influence on bold and shy behavioural profiles in zebrafish (Danio rerio). My goal is to comprehend the distinct responses of each individual to these substances.

The potential of my research on the effects of alcohol and nicotine dependence can contribute to the advancement of innovative addiction treatments for humans. By investigating the connections between gene expression and behaviour in response to these substances, we may develop personalized medicine approaches for addiction treatment.

Added to my PhD studies in Brazil, my internship at Universiteit Leiden is investigating coping styles, the effects of drugs during different stages of zebrafish ontogenetic development, and how these differences are related to glucocorticoid action on the hypothalamic-pituitary interrenal (HPI) axis.

Besides my PhD research, I have also been developing studies concerning the impact of ocean warming on coral reef fish. This research underscores the importance of addressing the effects of climate change and can enhance our understanding of the impacts caused by anthropogenic actions on marine life.

Brief biography

• 2020 – present: PhD candidate in Psychobiology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, in collaboration with Universiteit Leiden, Netherlands. Thesis title: Effects of alcohol and nicotine dependence on different behavioural profiles of Zebrafish (Danio rerio).
• 2018 – 2020: Master in Psychobiology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. Thesis title: Fish like us: individual differences and effects of alcohol in Zebrafish (Danio rerio)
• 2014 – 2017: Bachelor of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.