USF Student Wins Award at UNICAMP Scientific Event

Tayná Bandeira de Oliveira, an 8th-semester Biomedicine student at São Francisco University (Bragança Paulista Campus), won second place in the oral presentation category at the 17th Open Congress for Biology Students (CAEB), held from July 28 to September 1, 2025, at the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP). The event is one of the most prestigious in Brazil for Biological Sciences, bringing together undergraduate students from institutions across the country.  

Tayná’s study, titled “Bioinformatic Analysis of the Therapeutic Potential of Natural Compounds on Psoriasis-Associated Proteins,” is part of USF’s Undergraduate Research, which celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2025, and is linked to the university’s new Master’s Program in Health Data Science. The research uses computational tools to identify natural compounds with therapeutic potential for treating psoriasis, aiming to discover safer alternatives with fewer side effects.  

“Undergraduate Research showed me how transformative science can be, and attending the 17th CAEB at UNICAMP proved that. It was a challenging but unforgettable experience. It’s rewarding to see the results of so much study, dedication, and the guidance of a mentor who supported me every step of the way,” said Tayná, thrilled with her achievement.  

The project was supervised by Professor Dr. Aline Sampaio Cremonesi, who teaches at both undergraduate and graduate levels at USF. She emphasized the importance of this recognition:  

“Doing science in Brazil requires resilience, especially at the undergraduate level. Seeing a student awarded at a university like UNICAMP proves that our students have the skills and preparation to compete among the best. This is an inspiration not just for Tayná but for the entire USF academic community.”  

Over its three decades, USF’s Undergraduate Research Program has become a key training ground for students across various fields. With grants provided by the university and CNPq (Brazil’s National Council for Scientific and Technological Development), the program also hosts an annual internal scientific event to encourage academic output and oral presentations of research projects.  

Dr. Iara Tescarollo, Coordinator of USF’s Academic Research Center (NPA) and Stricto Sensu Graduate Center (NPS), highlights the transformative role of Undergraduate Research:  

“Our program fosters independence, critical thinking, and a passion for research across different fields. The grants, combined with faculty support and internal events, are essential in inspiring students to innovate and seek real-world solutions through science.”  

Tayná’s achievement reinforces USF’s commitment to academic excellence, promoting research from undergraduate studies and supporting student leadership in high-impact scientific spaces.