He holds a bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (1990), a Master's degree in Parasitology (1993) and a PhD in Sciences, an emphasis in Parasitology from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (1997). She has been a professor at the Parasitology Department of the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) since 2012. She has been a Coordinator of the Postgraduate Program in Parasitology (UFMG) from 2011 to 2015. She has experience in Parasitology, with emphasis on Protozoology, working mainly in the study of the immune response against malaria, antigen polymorphism candidate antimalarial vaccine and determination of biomarkers associated with morbidity and protection in Plasmodium vivax infections. It analyzes the prevalence and diversity of strains of these parasites and their associations with biotic factors (hosts, vectors and birds) and abiotic factors (habitat, seasonality, fragmentation, urbanization, etc.) in different Biomes. Participates as permanent teacher of the Postgraduate Program in Ecology, Conservation and Management of Wild Life, UFMG.

Study of immune response and mechanisms associated with protection and morbidity in Plasmodium infections in populations exposed to malaria, Avian malaria in Brazilian wild birds: study of genetic divergence and the effect of habitat degradation.