Meet Our Team: Carla P. Abreu

Being supportive, respectful, and responsible toward our team is part of our mission.

This month, our Senior Scientist, Carla Abreu, celebrates 1 year at Stemmatters.

Carla holds a degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, and she further continued her academic journey with a Ph.D. in Tissue Engineering, Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells from the University of Minho. With a strong background in the isolation, culture, and in vitro characterization of mammalian cells, Carla's expertise in studying cell signaling and innovative strategies to maintain the native phenotype of cells in culture sets her apart. Her extensive experience spans both academia and industry, with a professional research record that showcases her dedication to driving advancements in the field.

In this #OurTeam “episode” we had a chat with Carla to learn a bit more about her experience during this past year at Stemmatters.

Describe this past year at Stemmatters.
Stemmatters has provided me with the right environment for professional growth and development. This past year has been defined by plentiful learning opportunities, as I have been faced with different challenges and increasing responsibilities in a fast-paced environment, alongside exceptional coworkers. One particularly rewarding aspect has been the acquisition of hands-on GMP experience and being at the forefront of the implementation and manufacturing of cell-based clinical therapies. Furthermore, I am also having the privilege of collaborating with emerging industrial partners who are driving innovation in the field of cell therapy. This convergence of factors has undeniably made the past year both rewarding and enriching.

Who or what inspired you to pursue the career you have today?
Throughout my career, I have always been driven by my personal interests and preferences when making career choices. It became evident to me early on that I wanted to pursue a path in the healthcare sector, but I was always more interested in R&D than direct patient care. I started doing cell culture and related in vitro assays early in my career, discovering an interest in their potential therapeutic applications, either for clinical use or disease modelling, and it quickly became my favourite domain. What captivates me about this field and the development of advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) is their dynamic and ever-evolving nature. Here, new strategies, technologies, and innovative solutions are continuously emerging and pushing the boundaries of what is possible, making it so appealing to me.

How would you describe Stemmatters’ team?
I would say that the team members are not only highly skilled and exceedingly competent in their respective areas of expertise but also exhibit a collaborative and friendly demeanour. In my opinion, Stemmatters' coworkers truly represent the company's greatest strength, and it is a pleasure to work with them.