Rodrigo Campos-Cardoso, Ph.D., is a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Neurobiology. He joined UAB after completing his Ph.D. in neuroscience at the University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto.
As a member of the Cummings Lab, Campos-Cardoso is studying how specific brain cells in a region that controls fear influence the regulation of fear responses.
Q: Can you explain the focus of your current research?
My current research focuses on the GABAergic mechanisms involved in both the promotion and suppression of fear in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), specifically the infralimbic region, which is known for its role in suppressing fear. By "GABAergic mechanisms," I refer to how different populations of GABAergic interneurons—namely, parvalbumin- and somatostatin-expressing interneurons—contribute to high and low fear states.
Q: Why did you choose to pursue your postdoctoral work at UAB?
I chose UAB primarily due to the opportunity to work with my principal investigator, Dr. Kirstie Cummings, who was establishing her lab at UAB at the time. During my hiring process, I had the chance to meet with people from various departments, which gave me a broader perspective and reinforced my decision to join the Cummings Lab. The collaborative environment at UAB made it the perfect place to develop my research.
Q: How has your time at UAB helped you grow?
I have been a postdoc at UAB for two and a half years, and it has been one of the most enriching experiences of my life. Coming from Brazil, where I completed my Ph.D., I was warmly welcomed by the UAB and the Neurobiology community. Here, I have received training in a variety of advanced techniques, such as electrophysiology, optogenetics, and calcium imaging, which have equipped me with the knowledge and skills needed to establish my own lab as an independent PI in the future.
Q: What are your long-term career goals, and how does your current research align with them?
My long-term career goal is to lead my own lab and continue advancing our understanding of fear mechanisms at a cellular and circuit level. The postdoctoral training I am receiving at UAB is essential for this goal. In addition to the methodological expertise my research offers, UAB provides numerous professional development opportunities, such as poster and oral presentations at local events like Neurogateways, the CNC Retreat, and the Work in Progress in Neurobiology series. These experiences have contributed significantly to my growth as a scientist.
In what ways has being a part of the Cummings Lab shaped your career?
Being a part of Dr. Cummings’ lab has been instrumental in shaping my career path. She fosters an environment where creativity, innovation, and high-quality science are encouraged. I feel supported in developing my own ideas and scientific pursuits. I’m confident that my experience in the Cummings Lab and at UAB has not only shaped who I am today as a scientist but is continuing to shape me into the researcher and person I aspire to become.