I obtain the degree in biology at Universidad Central de Venezuela, and the PhD on Microbiology and Parasitology at Universidad Complutense de Madrid (Spain). As a postdoc I spent 2 years at the WHO Collaborating Centre for Leishmaniasis in the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (Spain) and 6 months at the Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp (Belgium), funded by a Jose Castillejo Fellowship. My research experience has focused on the search for new biomarkers of cure/infection/exposure in immunocompetent, HIV or immunosuppressive patients with visceral leishmaniasis (VL). This exploration of biomarkers for VL has been extended to include dogs. Furthermore, I have focused on the importance of transferring all the knowledge acquired on the bench to the field, in order to develop simpler, faster and more sensitive tools for diagnosis or treatment monitoring of parasite diseases in areas that are difficult to access.

Hello! I’m Rafael and I came from Brazil in january 2023. I studied Pharmacy at the Universidade de Brasília in Brazil, and I finished in 2006. During my studies, I became interested in molecular biology and decided to learn a little more about the different techniques in a specialization course at the Universidade de Lavras. After that, I decided to apply this knowledge in a master's program in parasitology where I encountered Dr. Silvane Murta who guided me on this journey for 2 years at Fiocruz Minas. After I finished my master, I dedicated only to my work at a public bank, since throughout this entire journey I worked and studied at the same time, and it was exhausting. When I decided to return to science, which is truly my passion, I came across the research projects related to Leishmania conducted by Dr. Christopher Fernandez-Prada at the Université de Montréal, which captured my interest. So, I began a long process towards this return to science with the help of Dr. Fernandez-Prada and I moved to Canada in January 2023 to start the PhD program at the Université de Montréal. My project seeks in understanding the mechanisms by which parasites become quiescent which can contribute to improving the efficiency of leishmaniasis treatment. We hope that this project can clarify the mechanisms of recurrence of this disease that affects thousands of people worldwide.

Hi! I'm Leslie, a Biotechnology Engineer from Tecnológico de Monterrey, Mexico. During my studies, I had the chance to investigate the structure and function of antimicrobial peptides through a research internship. Now, as part of my master's studies and the CFP lab team, I'm exploring how DR and DS parasites, along with their extracellular vesicles, modulate host immune cells. Beyond my passion for science, I enjoy running outdoors, dancing, and traveling—especially when it involves discovering new cuisines.

Having obtained her degree in Veterinary Medicine from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the Université de Montréal in 2020, followed by a Master's degree in Parasitology in collaboration with McGill University Health Centre in 2022, Dr. Wagner has since taught veterinary parasitology at the Université de Montréal and is involved in numerous projects in the field, both in research and industry. She is a candidate of the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists in Parasitology.

I am Priscilla. I hold a BSc in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana and an MSc in Molecular and Cell Biology from the University of Cape Town, South Africa. My research interest lies in understanding host-pathogen interactions with focus on kinetoplastids and how these interactions can be explored for novel treatment therapies or drug development for leishmaniasis. Driven by this, I joined Dr. Christopher Fernandez-Prada for my PhD to explore the genesis, composition, and impact of drug-resistance in Leishmania's EVs-host interactions. This has the potential to contribute to the broader quest for innovative therapeutic strategies against all forms of leishmaniasis.

Hello! My name is Audrey Corbeil. I studied microbiology at Sherbrooke University, and I also have a background of biomedical analysis in college. After completing a Master’s in Christopher Fernandez-Prada’s lab, I continue with a PhD to characterize exosomes released by Leishmania strains responsible for visceral leishmaniasis, to identify novel, sensitive biomarkers for non-invasive and rapid diagnosis of the disease. In my spare time, I enjoy travelling, bouldering and cooking!

Hi! My name is Marie-Zoé. As an undergrad student in microbiology and immunology, I have worked 4 years as an assistant vet nurse. I completed my degree with an internship in Dr Fernandez-Prada’s lab where my passion for animal health combined with my research interest. During my master's, I'm studying the phenomenon of loss of resistance in Leishmania infantum, while also being a trainee in the One Health Against Pathogens program. We believe that people who have great cooking abilities make great scientists. By judging my Mac’n Squash and my cakes, I do fill in that belief.