FORMOLO Douglas Affonso

I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology (UFSC, Brazil, 2012), an MPhil in Neuroscience (UFSC, Brazil, 2018) and an MPhil in Rehabilitation Sciences (PolyU, Hong Kong, 2021). As a graduate student, I have been investigating the effects of pharmacological and non-pharmacological modulation of the limbic system on the expression of emotional behaviours in rodents. Specifically, I aim to identify new peripheral factors (e.g. hormones) with potential rapid antidepressant effects (within hours) and their mechanisms of action, at both the molecular and circuit levels. 

The Yau Lab is a leading research team in experimental and clinical neuroscience, while RS provides state-of-the-art technologies required for meaningful and impactful publications. Backed by their support, I expect my research will help increase our understanding of the neuroprotective and therapeutic properties of non-pharmacological interventions, such as nutrition and physical exercise, and present novel pathways that could be explored for more effective pharmacological treatments for mood modulation.