Current Position
2023-Present
Research Scientist (PI of the IMILUX Project) University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg.
Previous positions
2021-2023
Post-doc Researcher Industrial Fellowship funded by FNR University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg. Partner: Zitha
– Conceived, developed, and led an independent research project (MEDITAGING), focusing on non-pharmacological interventions for older Portuguese-speaking migrants – Successfully secured competitive individual funding from the Luxembourg National Research Fund (FNR) – Managed all aspects of the project, including research design, participant recruitment, data collection, analysis, and dissemination, under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Anja Leist and Dr. Jean-Paul Steinmez – Led 8 full Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) programs (both virtually and in-person), providing guidance and support to participants. – Organized and facilitated additional sessions to meet participants’ needs – Prepared and submitted periodic reports to the funding agency – Provided structured feedback to the partner organization (Zitha) on how to improve service delivery for older Portuguese-speaking immigrants, based on research findings and participant feedback
2019-2021
Research and Development Specialist Project: Boosting executive functions in the elderly The Psychology Research Center (CIPsi), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.
– Responsible for managing stakeholders and overseeing recruitment processes – Led data collection efforts and developed protocols for research projects – Trained students participating in the project, ensuring thorough preparation – Delivered community presentations and taught undergraduate classes.
2018-2019
Junior Psychologist Order of Portuguese Psychologists / School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.
– Conducted cognitive training and brain stimulation for older adults to enhance cognitive functioning – Performed neuropsychological assessments, complemented by EEG, to evaluate cognitive functioning
2017-2023
Co-PI and PhD Candidate Project: Getting the aging brain to train: a working memory and neuromodulation approach The Psychology Research Center (CIPsi), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.
– Developed and led all stages of the clinical trial, from conceptualization to execution, focusing on working memory training and neuromodulation in aging individuals (supervision: Dr. Adriana Sampaio and Dr. Sandra Carvalho) – Designed research protocols, conducted data collection, and performed analysis – Managed collaborations and supervised a research assistant and a student – Wrote research papers and presenting findings at conferences – Prepared and submitted periodic reports to the funding agency
2013-2014
Assistant Professor in Psychology Pitagoras University, Ipatinga, Minas Gerais, Brazil
– Taught undergraduate courses, including: o Introduction to Psychotherapy o Basic Psychological Processes I o Basic Psychological Processes II o Interview and Observation in Psychology o Techniques in Psychological Assessment – Supervision of Bachelor’s theses – Participation in thesis defense committees
2011-2012
Group Facilitator for Drug Addicts (Community Therapy) Associação Reviver, Ipatinga, Minas Gerais, Brazil
– Led group therapy sessions for individuals recovering from substance abuse
2010-2010
Research Assistant (Multicenter Study) Project: ELSA (Longitudinal Study of Adult Health) Project Medical School, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
– Data collection
2009-2010
Intern in Neuropsychology Applied Psychology Service, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. (Supervision: Vitor Haase) Psychiatry Department, Borges da Costa Hospital, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. (Supervision: Leandro Malloy)
– Neuropsychological assessment and rehabilitation for older adults and children
2008-2009
Intern in Educational Psychology
Associação Pre-UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
– Facilitated group sessions on study organization for students preparing for university entrance exams – Provided career counseling to support students in their professional choices – Offered psychological support through walk-in counseling sessions
2007-2008
Intern in Judicial Psychology Sector of Surveillance of Alternative Sentencing, Court of Justice of the State of Minas Gerais
– Conducted visits to institutions hosting individuals serving alternative sentences – Provided counseling to offenders – Assisted institutions in addressing the needs and challenges – Managed the intake process for new offenders, assessing their profiles and allocating them to appropriate institutions
2007-2008
Research Fellow Project: Aging and Health Medical School, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
– Data collection – Database input and verification – Participant recruitment
2006-2007
Intern in Social Psychology School Grant Program (Bolsa Escola Municipal), Belo Horizonte City Hall, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
– Home visits to beneficiaries of the income transfer program for low-income families with school-aged children – Analyzed eligibility criteria to determine which beneficiaries should be enrolled or disengaged from the program, ensuring proper documentation and processes – Individual counseling and support to program participants.
Dr Ana Carolina Teixeira-Santos 