Fernanda Cugola

Fernanda Cugola has extensive work experience in the field of scientific research and academia. Fernanda is currently employed at Fate Therapeutics Inc as a Principal Scientist, a position they have held since September 2023. Prior to this, they worked as a Senior Scientist at the same company from January 2022 to September 2023, and as a Scientist from February 2020 to January 2022.

Before joining Fate Therapeutics, Fernanda worked at the University of California San Diego. Fernanda was a Postdoctoral Researcher from April 2019 to February 2020 and a Staff Research Associate from September 2018 to March 2019.

Fernanda also completed their PHD at Universidade de São Paulo from July 2015 to June 2018. During their PHD, they gained experience in viral culture and infection assays, stem cell culture and differentiation techniques, and conducted research on Zika virus infection in human neural cells. Fernanda also managed academic collaborations within and outside their institution.

Earlier in their career, Fernanda worked at the University of California San Diego as a Lab Manager from December 2011 to May 2015. In this role, they worked on research projects related to neurological diseases using human induced pluripotent stem cells. Fernanda also served as a Staff Research Associate from August 2011 to December 2011 in the same institution.

Before entering the field of scientific research, Fernanda worked as an English Teacher at CNA Inglês Definitivo from July 2004 to July 2005. Fernanda also gained research experience as an Undergraduate Student Researcher at UNESP from 2003 to 2007.

Fernanda Cugola obtained a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Biology/Biological Sciences from Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho (2002-2007). Fernanda then pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Southern States University (2010-2012) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Biology/Biological Sciences from USP - Universidade de São Paulo (2015-2018). In 2023, they completed a course in Project Management at UC San Diego Extended Studies and obtained a certification in Project Management Boot Camp.