Globalink student making a difference in global health

Alonso Lira’s time in Canada researching atherosclerosis will help in the battle against heart disease

The research that he will undertake with Dr. Bernardo Trigatti could be vital to developing treatments for atherosclerosis, a condition that causes cardiovascular disease. This condition causes fat to accumulate in the bloodstream, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke as well as contributing to development of cardiovascular illnesses. With diagnosis of heart disease on the rise in North America and around the world, such research could have profound effects on preventing its progression among at-risk patients.

For Alonso, his research in Canada is an extension of his passion for pathology, having been inspired by a number of his professors at his institution in Brazil, Para State University. Prior to his research term in Canada, Alonso had also completed an investigation of the interactions between a common bacterium and the HIV virus in Brazilian people.  

Alonso is excited to combine his research experiences in order to complete a master’s degree in medical science, specifically pathology, in Canada. “The Mitacs Globalink program has opened my mind to Canada as a research destination which will certainly be one of my first choices to go to for graduate studies”

Mitacs wishes Alonso the best of luck in his continued adventures in research, and beyond!

Mitacs thanks the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario for their support of the Globalink research internship in this story. Across Canada, the Globalink program also receives support from Alberta Innovates, the Government of British Columbia, the Government of New Brunswick, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Nova Scotia, the Government of Prince Edward Island, the Government of Quebec, the Government of Saskatchewan, and Research Manitoba.

Do you have a business challenge that could benefit from a research solution? If so, contact Mitacs today to discuss partnership opportunities: BD@mitacs.ca

Mitacs Team

Mitacs’s website content is created by people throughout our organization, united in their passion for innovation and eager to share their perspectives with others in the innovation ecosystem. 

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