Raul
Da Costa
Biomedical scientist at the interface of translational research.
Translational research | Science communication | Project management | Technical application
about
Raul da Costa, Ph.D.
Engineer Flow, Mass and Imaging Cytometry
National Cytometry Platform (NCP)
Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH)
As a biologist with expertise in cellular biology, biochemistry, reproductive biology, and cytometry, I am passionate about advancing scientific research and developing innovative diagnostic methods.
Originally from Venezuela, I received my B.S. in Biology from the University of Zulia in 2012, followed by an M.Sc. from the Venezuelan Institute for Scientific Research in 2016. I then moved to Germany to pursue my Ph.D., which I received with honors in 2020 from the University of Münster. After my Ph.D., I worked at the Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology as a Postdoctoral researcher, developing novel diagnostic methods for assessing male infertility.
As the principal author of several peer-reviewed publications, I am proud to have co-invented a flow cytometry-based method for evaluating sperm DNA fragmentation in viable cells in 2020. In recognition of my research, I was awarded the German Society of Andrology research fellowship in 2021.
In 2023, I joined the Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH) as an Engineer in Flow, Mass, and Imaging Cytometry at the National Cytometry Platform (NCP) to advance my expertise in cytometry and contribute to cutting-edge research in the fields of oncology, immunology, and virology.
interest
As a scientist with a focus on translational research, I am driven by the desire to make a difference beyond scientific investigation. Collaborating with other scientists to generate diagnostic and therapeutic alternatives that improve people's lives is my ultimate goal.
I thrive in a diverse cross-cultural and collaborative environment, where I can connect with people and team up with multidisciplinary groups. Participating in scientific events as a speaker and generating written and multimedia material is another passion of mine. Ideally, I combine these activities with my love for traveling and photography.
Below you can find more information about my professional experience. Thank you for visiting my professional website, and I look forward to collaborating with you!
work
Postdoctoral Researcher
Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster – Germany
May 2020 - April 2023
As a postdoc, I was focused on managing projects within the framework of science and clinical research and the formation of young scientists.
Responsibilities/activities
- Management of research projects
- Intellectual property (IP) activities
- Scout scientific literature to assess research trends
- Supervising and tutoring of students
Key achievements
- Awarded with the Research Fellowship of 2021 by the German Society for Andrology (DGA)
- Published a peer-reviewed article
- Submitted a patent application of a novel method for assessing sperm DNA damage (PCT/EP2021/066927) with potential applications in biotechnology and life sciences
Guest Researcher
Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster – Germany
June 2016 - April 2020
As a guest researcher, I carried out my doctoral studies' experimental and analytical tasks. My Ph.D. focused on developing and discovering biochemical methods and assays to evaluate cellular viability/toxicity markers (membrane
integrity, mitochondrial activity, ROS production, DNA fragmentation, TUNEL, among others) by flow cytometry and Raman micro-spectroscopy.
Responsibilities/activities
- Develop cellular assays based on flow cytometry
- Detection of cell-viability by Raman spectrometry
- Generate written communications and presentations
- Establish of multidisciplinary collaborations
- Work alongside different institutional departments
Key achievements
- Earned my doctoral degree with honors
- Participated in six scientific congresses as speaker
- Developed a novel method for the evaluation of DNA damage in viable spermatozoa
- Published two peer-reviewed articles and my doctoral thesis within a multidisciplinary/cross-cultural framework
- Awarded with the DAAD Research Grant “Doctoral Programmes in Germany” by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
Student Assistant
Venezuelan Institute for Scientific Research, San Antonio De Los Altos - Venezuela
January 2011 - October 2012
I performed as student assistant the practical work of my master, which focused on studying the toxic effect of heavy metals in the biochemistry of spermatozoa and its impact on reproductive biology.
Responsibilities/activities
- Assist in primary cell culture and analyze biological samples using cytological and biochemical methods to assess oxidative stress (ROS production, TBARS, antioxidant capacity) and enzymatic activity (ATPasic assays)
- Evaluate complex experimental data using statistical approaches and bibliographical screening
Key achievements
- Earned my master degree
- Published my first peer-reviewed article
- Awarded with the DAAD short-term Grant by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
research
publications
- Da Costa R, et al. Simultaneous detection of sperm membrane integrity and DNA fragmentation by flow cytometry: a novel and rapid tool for sperm analysis. Andrology 2021.
DOI: 10.1111/andr.13017 - Da Costa R, et al. Spectral features of nuclear DNA in human sperm assessed by Raman Microspectroscopy: Effects of UV-irradiation and hydration. PLOS ONE 2018.
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0207786 - Amaral S, Da Costa R, et al. Raman micro-spectroscopy analysis of different sperm regions: a species comparison. Mol Hum Reprod 2018;
DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gax071 - Da Costa R, et al. Cadmium inhibits motility, activities of plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase and axonemal dynein-ATPase of human spermatozoa. Andrologia 2016.
DOI: 10.1111/and.12466
patent
- Da Costa R, et al. Sperm stratification. Filed Jun 22, 2020.
PCT/EP2021/066927
contact
0176 41809565
contact@rauldacosta.de
Centrum für Reproduktionsmedizin und Andrologie
Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Geb. D11
48149 Münster
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