Carla Cruz is  an Associate Professor at Faculty of Sciences, Chemistry Department of University of Beira Interior. 

She graduated in Chemistry at University of Coimbra and did her PhD in Coordination and Supramolecular Chemistry at University of Aveiro and ITQB NOVA - Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica.

She did her posdoctoral in Biotechnology and Biochemistry at UBI. Her research interests are DNA and RNA G-quadruplex aptamers. Her RESEARCH TOPICS are focused on drug design, development and delivery, as well as on the optimization of biophysical/cellular and molecular methods to study nucleic acids, including DNA/RNA G-quadruplex (G4) structures, aptamers and protein targets towards cancer research. 

The main project goals encompass the development of DNA nano-based drug carriers for antiviral and/or anticancer drugs with effect in precancerous cells infected by Human Papillomavirus.

Jéssica is supervised by Carla Cruz and co-supervised by Paula Oliveira from University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro - CITAB

His work focuses on the biophysical and biochemical study of the non-canonical secondary structures of nucleic acids (G-quadruplex, i-motif and Triplex sequences) and their impact as a strategy for lung cancer therapy, using G4-ligands and polypurine reverse Hoogsteen hairpins (PPRH).

André is supervised by Carla Cruz and co-supervised by Jean-Louis Mergny, from École Polytechnique (Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Palaiseau), and Paula Oliveira from the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro - CITAB.

Her research focuses on the identification of biomarkers for the diagnosis of lung cancer through the processing of biological samples, and the development of synergistic therapeutic combination such as, AuNP-siRNA for oncomiRs silencing and AuNP-G4 ligands for oncomiRs precursors.

She is supervised by Carla Cruz and co-supervised by Pedro Viana Batista from NOVA University of Lisbon - UCIBIO.

Her research focuses on the development of a DNA aptamer-based gel combined with essential oils for drug delivery to treat HPV-induced lesions.

Izamara is supervised by Carla Cruz and co-supervised by Pamela Borges coordinator of the Molecular Biology Laboratory at the Hospital Agostinho Neto University (Cabo Verde) and Rui Medeiros from the Portuguese Institute of Oncology of Porto -Research Center (CI-IPOP).

His work focuses on finding a therapeutic approach to lung cancer taking advantage of aptamers and their ability to target specific overexpressed proteins.

David is supervised by Carla Cruz and co-supervised by Cândida Tomaz, both from UBI, and Yi Lu from the UTAustin (USA).

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Pedro Lourenço is a Master in Biochemistry at the University of Beira Interior. Pedro joined to G4 lab in 2022 to develop his master's project in the G4 field. At the moment, his research focuses on the analysis and characterization of compounds present in woods from around the world through techniques like NMR. He is supervised by Dr Carla Cruz in this project.

Mafalda Henriques is a biotechnology master’s student at the University of Beira Interior. She joined the group in 2025 and is working on the Aquaclen project as part of her master dissertation, focusing on the development of functionalized nanoparticles for the removal of endocrine disruptors from water.

Marisa Dias is a biotechnology master’s student at the University of Beira Interior. In 2025, se joined the group and is working on the Aquaclen project as part of her master dissertation, focusing on the development of a biosensor to detect endocrine disruptors in water.

She is supervised by Prof. Carla Cruz and co-supervised by Master David Moreira and Master Pedro Lourenço.

Carolina Pires is a biotechnology master’s student at the University of Beira Interior. In 2025, she joined the research group to contribute to the project entitled 'A New Precision Medicine Therapeutic Strategy for the Treatment of Lung Cancer”.

She is supervised by Prof. Carla Cruz and co-supervised by Master David Moreira.

Diogo Dias obtained his Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry from the University of Beira Interior. In 2024, he became a member of the G-quadruplex research team to conduct his Bachelor’s project under the supervision of Dr. Carla Cruz and MSc. Pedro Lourenço.

He is presently engaged in an internship, receiving mentorship from Prof. Carla Cruz.