Curriculum Vitae

 

Nella C. Delva, Ph.D.

Fulbright Fellow - Max Delbrück Center of Molecular Medicine 

 

 

Objective:

Passionate and detail-oriented neuroscientist seeking to apply extensive research skills and a rich academic background to contribute to innovative projects in the life sciences sector. Committed to utilizing my expertise in molecular biology, data analysis, and collaborative research to drive forward scientific discoveries and practical applications that enhance health outcomes.

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EDUCATION

Florida State University, College of Medicine

PhD Candidate in Biomedical Sciences (2018 – 2025)

Dissertation: Loss of Dopamine D1 Receptors in Nkx2.1+ Neurons Alters Mood-Related Behavior and Frontal Cortical Gene Expression

University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC

Master in Biological Sciences (2012 – 2015)

Thesis: Tp53 and HRas Influence on HPV16 E7 Expression in HPV16 Transformed Human

Keratinocytes

Barry University, Miami Shores, FL

Bachelor of Science in Biology (2009 – 2012)

 

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

​Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany

Fulbright Fellow & Guest Scientist (2024 – Present)

Focus: Cortical Cellular pathways

Techniques: Human iPSC cell culture, advanced imaging techniques and genetic analysis.

Florida State University, College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL

Doctoral Researcher (2018 – 2025)

PI: Dr. Gregg Stanwood

Focus: Neurobiology, genetic and behavioral studies.

Key Techniques: Animal handling and behavior, brain anatomy and dissection, RNA scope,

immunohistochemistry, qPCR, genotyping, ELISA, microscopy, and image analysis.

H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL

Research Associate II (2015 – 2018)

Focus: Genetic Target and validation

Key Techniques: DNA/RNA expression, transfection, tissue analysis, gene profiling, and cell culture.

University of South Carolina

Graduate Research Assistant (2012 – 2015)

Focus: HPV-mediated carcinogenesis,

Key Techniques: cloning, ELISA, protein quantification and analysis.

 

 

AWARDS & FELLOWSHIPS

• Germanistic Society of America Fellowship, 2024 – Berlin, Germany

• Fulbright Fellowship, 2024 – Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine

• McKnight Fellowship, 2023 – Florida Education Fund

• Academic Leadership Award, 2023 – Florida State University

• Bryan Robinson Endowment Award, 2022 – Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare

• Neuroscience Scholars Associate, 2020 – Society for Neuroscience

 

PUBLICATIONS

• Delva NC*, Graham DL*, Stanwood GD. (in prep.) Loss of Dopamine D1 Receptors from Nkx2.1-

Derived GABAergic Neurons Alters Mood-Related Phenotypes.

• Abboodi F, Delva NC, et al. Human Papillomavirus-Mediated Carcinogenesis and Tumor

Progression. Genome Instab. Dis., 2021.

• Tafreshi NK, Kil H, Pandya DN, Tichacek CJ, Doligalski ML, Budzevich MM, Delva NC, et al.

Lipophilicity Determines Routes of Uptake and Clearance, and Toxicity of an Alpha-Particle-

Emitting Peptide Receptor Radiotherapy. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci. 2020.

• Tafreshi NK, Tichacek CJ, Pandya DN, Doligalski ML, Budzevich MM, Kil H, Bhatt NB, Kock

ND, Messina JL, Ruiz EE, Delva NC, et al. Melanocortin 1 Receptor-Targeted α-Particle

Therapy. J Nucl Med., 2019.

 

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Hillsborough Community College, Tampa, FL

Adjunct Professor (2017 – 2018)

Courses: Biological Foundations (Lecture & Lab).

University of South Carolina

Teaching Assistant (2014 – 2015)

Courses: Biology Lab, Ecology Lab.

 

LEADERSHIP ROLES

• Chair, Mentorship for Success Program – Biomedical Sciences Graduate Student Association

(2021 – 2024)

• Deputy Speaker, Judicial Affairs – Congress of Graduate Students (2021 – 2024)

• Student Advocate, Congress of Graduate Students (2021 – 2024)

• Diversity Representative, Council of Diversity and Inclusion (2020 – 2024)

 

PRESENTATIONS

• Nella NC, Graham DL, Stanwood GD. (2022, 2023) Loss of Dopamine D1 Receptors in

Nkx2.1+ interneurons Alters Mood-Related Behavior. Poster, College of Medicine.

• Delva NC. (2022) Regulation of Mood by Dopamine D1 Receptors. Mini-Talk, DNTS.

• Delva NC. (2019) Tp53 and H-Ras Influence in Head and Neck Cancer. McKnight Conference.

 

TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Molecular Biology: RNAscope, qPCR, ELISA, cDNA synthesis, Western blotting, Immunohistochemistry,  DNA/RNA/protein extraction and quantification, cloning and genotyping.

• Imaging: Confocal microscopy, Keyence imaging, cellular phenotyping.

• Behavioral Studies: Restraint stress, Forced swim stress, Forced swim test, Novel Induced

Hyperphagia, Locomotor, Light/dark test.

• Data Analysis: Statistical analysis (R, GraphPad), manuscript preparation and submission.

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Research & Development:

• Experimental Design: Experienced in designing and conducting experiments to investigate scientific questions.

• Hypothesis Testing: Ability to develop innovative hypotheses based on thorough literature review and empirical evidence.

• Collaborative Research: Demonstrated success in working within and leading cross-functional research teams, contributing to scientific papers and presentations.

 

Leadership & Management:

• Team Leadership: Directed project teams in academic settings, mentoring students and managing collaborative projects.

• Project Management: Efficient in managing timelines, resources, and project deliverables to meet research goals and deadlines.

• Communication: Strong presentation skills, adept at communicating complex scientific information to diverse audiences, including academic peers, and non-expert groups.

 

Cultural Competency:

• International Experience: Gained significant exposure to different research environments and cultures through the Fulbright Fellowship in Germany.

• Adaptability: Adapted research and collaboration strategies to align with various institutional goals and cultural expectations.

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LANGUAGES

• English (advanced)

• French (Proficient)

• Haitian Creole (advanced)

German (Basic)