Given the growing importance of mental health, this panel will showcase how bioengineering innovations can improve mental health well-being, exploring technologies and solutions that contribute to better diagnosis, treatment and overall mental care.
João Cortinhas
João Cortinhas, graduated from the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto in 2019 with a Master’s degree in Bioengineering, specialized in Molecular Biotechnology, worked for several years as a Research Fellow in the NanoBiomaterials for Targeted Therapies group at i3S, focusing on Nucleic Acid Nanotechnology, novel Oligonucleotide Therapeutic modalities, and their application in the Central Nervous System. Now at Neurolentech, he works as a Research Scientist, utilizing the company’s proprietary iPSC-derived cell models to develop disease-relevant assays, aiming to accelerate drug discovery for epilepsy and autism spectrum disorder.
Ziva Cooper
Dr. Ziva Cooper is the Director of the UCLA Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoids and a Professor in Psychiatry, Biobehavioral Sciences, and Anesthesiology. Her research focuses on the therapeutic effects and risks of cannabis and cannabinoids, with an emphasis on sex, age, and potency-related differences. With a background in biopsychology and human behavioral pharmacology, she conducts placebo-controlled studies to translate preclinical findings into clinical applications. She has contributed to major reports on cannabis for the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and has held leadership roles in key research societies and journals in the field.
Patricio Riva Posse
Dr. Patricio Riva Posse, an Argentine-American neurologist and psychiatrist dedicated to improving treatments for patients with severe depression. Dr. Riva Posse sees the promise of new technologies, such as implanted devices, as a way to enhance treatment accessibility and efficacy. His research focuses on the use of deep brain stimulation to treat cases of depression where all other treatment options have failed.
LBIO, MIB and MEB alumni return home to tell their journey after graduation! It’s an inspirational panel for current Bioengineering students and everyone who aims to pursue this field of work. It’s also a tribute to those who paved the way and helped build, brick by brick, the Bachelor and Masters in Bioengineering.
Diogo Mosqueira
Diogo graduated in Bioengineering – Molecular Biotechnology (UP) in 2012. Research in Sweden and Japan led him to a PhD in Regenerative Medicine (Nottingham, UK), focusing on cardiovascular disease models. In 2021, he became a Senior Bioassay Scientist at Cellomatics Biosciences, later joining Boehringer Ingelheim (Germany) as a Research Scientist, working on anti-obesity drugs. Now, he leads teams developing therapies for sarcopenia. With 20+ publications, awards, and a patent, he shares his path to inspire future bioengineers.
Eduardo Pinho
Eduardo earned his Master’s in Bioengineering – Biological Engineering (UP) in 2020. In 2021, he joined Lonza (Switzerland) as a Manufacturing Specialist, later becoming a Team Lead. By mid-2023, he transitioned to MSAT as a Process Expert in Mammalian Single-Use Technology, bridging science and manufacturing. He has contributed to five drug candidates advancing through regulatory filing and trials, driven by the impact of bringing life-saving biopharmaceuticals to patients.
Catarina Lopes
Catarina Lopes, a Bioengineer specializing in Biomedical Engineering, is a PhD Fellow at FEUP, researching non-invasive computer-assisted navigation for knee arthroplasty. She won the 2024 Idea Puzzle Prize for her research design. She has collaborated with institutions across Europe, including Politecnico di Milano, INESC TEC Porto, and the University of Twente. Beyond research, Catarina is an Invited Assistant Professor at FEUP and a Researcher at INEGI, mentoring future bioengineers. Passionate about medical devices, surgical navigation, and interdisciplinary collaboration, she is committed to healthcare innovation.
