Rita Soares

Visiting Scientist

Rita obtained a bachelor's degree in Applied Chemistry from
NOVA University of Lisbon before pursuing a master's degree
in Biopharmaceutical Sciences at the Faculty of Pharmacy,
University of Lisbon, which was completed in 2022. At the end
of 2023, Rita joined the Molecular Microbiology and
Biotechnology group at iMed.ULisboa as a research scientist,
where her work focused on immunology, biotechnology, and
microbiology. Her research primarily involved developing
CAR-T cells designed to target HIV-1-infected cells. Currently,
as a PhD candidate in the same group, Rita is dedicated to
advancing a therapy that utilizes CAR-T cells to target latent
reservoirs of HIV-1-infected cells in lymphoid tissues.

In recognition of this work, she was awarded a travel grant by
the Portuguese Society of Immunology, allowing them to
undertake an internship at the Micro-Organo Lab. Here, she is
developing a Lymphoid Tissue-on-chip model to evaluate the
efficacy and safety of CAR-T cell therapies.

Outside of the lab, Rita enjoys working out, spending time with
family, going to the cinema, and traveling.