About

I am a Senior Research Technician responsible for the Molecular Biology, Cell Culture and Metabolomics laboratories in the College of Science and Engineering. A Biomedical Science (Hons) graduate with a PhD in Biochemistry and Metabolism, I work alongside academics across the college offering research experimental support, as well as conducting research in Metabolism and Neurodegeneration. 

Research interests

My research interest is primarily in understanding how nutrition and metabolic dysregulation can impact neurodegeneration, with a particular focus on redox changes and protein misfolding. 

Membership of professional bodies

• Biochemical Society
• ECR Member, 2022

Qualifications

• BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences, University of the West of England
• PhD in Biochemistry, University of the West of England

Recent conferences

• Usmari Moraes, M., Craig, T., Conway, M.E. (2023) Metabolic dysregulation and the role of the BCATc protein – implications for type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. Presented at BLAST Summer School – Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
• Harris, M., Usmari Moraes, M., (2017) Conway, M.E. Investigating the impact of overexpressed branched-chain aminotransferases on autophagy and protein synthesis. Presented at Autophagy Network UK Meeting, London, England
• West, H., & Usmari Moraes, M. (2016). 'Inspiring not insipid' Teaching & learning excellence from the students perspective. Presented at UWE Teaching & Learning Conference, Bristol, England
• Hill, J., West, H., & Usmari Moraes, M. (2016). Undergraduate research: Supporting teaching & learning & developing graduate attributes. Paper presented at UWE Teaching & Learning Best Practice Conference, Bristol, England
• Hull, J., Usmari Moraes, M., Brookes, E., Love, S., Conway, M.E. (2015) Distribution of the branched chain α-keto acid dehydrogenase complex and glutamate dehydrogenase in the human brain. Presented at British Conference of Undergraduate Research (BCUR), Winchester, England

International experience

• Research Assistant in Genetics and Molecular Biology at the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil (2011 - 2013)
• Mortuary Assistant at the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil (2012 - 2013)

Additional interests and activities

I am a trained Hatha/Vinyasa/Restorative Yoga Teacher with a special interest in mindfulness, meditation and breathing techniques. I am a certified diver currently undergoing PADI Divemaster training. I also enjoy swimming, watersports and indoor climbing. 

Recent publications

• Hull, J.*, Usmari Moraes, M.*, Brookes, E., Love, S., Conway, M.E. (2017) Distribution of the branched-chain α-ketoacid dehydrogenase complex E1α subunit and glutamate dehydrogenase in the human brain and their role in neuro-metabolism. Neurochemistry International. 112(2018), pp. 49-58
• Usmari Moraes, M.* and Gaudet, T.J.* (2018) Immunotherapeutic and pharmacological approaches for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Bioscience Horizons. 11 pp. 1–7. doi:10.1093/biohorizons/hzy001
• Harris, M.*, El Hindy, M.*, Usmari Moraes, M.*, Hudd, F., Shafei, M., Dong, M., Hezwani, M., Clark, P., House, M., Forshaw, T., Kehoe, P., Conway, M.E. (2020) BCAT-induced autophagy regulates Aβ load through an interdependence of redox state and PKC phosphorylation-implications in Alzheimer’s disease. Free Radical Biology and Medicine [online]. 152 (January), pp. 755–766