About Me.

Hello! My name is Carla Mezo and I am a Mexican neurobiologist with a multidisciplinary background. In 2022, I earned a Ph.D. in Neuroscience and Nutrition from the University of Nantes in France. Currently, I am a postdoctoral researcher at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto, Canada, where I am part of the Neurobiology of Depression and Aging program.

My academic and professional background, as well as many life experiences, have led me to develop an enormous passion for understanding how our eating habits and lifestyle can impact our mental health and that of our descendants.

Education

2018-2022

Ph.D. in Neuroscience and Nutrition

Université de Nantes.

Nantes, France

Graduated with high distinction.
Ph.D. Dissertation topic : “Investigating the involvement of brain tryptophan metabolism in obesity-induced memory deficits”.

2014-2016

MSc. in Molecular Biomedicine

Instituto Politécnico Nacional. Mexico City, Mexico.

Graduated with high distinction and best academic performance in graduating cohort.
MSc. Dissertation topic : “Anti-obesity effect of three Tabebuia rosea extracts in a murine model”.

2008-2012

BSc. in Biology

Instituto Politécnico Nacional. Mexico City, Mexico.

Specialization in Biotechnology.
BSc. Dissertation topic : "Molecular characterization of the Peptidil-tRNA hydrolases from Entamoeba histolytica".

Work experience

2023-Present

Post-Doctoral Research Fellow.

Neurobiology of Depression and Aging Program.

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Toronto, Canada

As a member of Dr. Prevot’s team, I analyze the neurobiology of depression and dementia using preclinical models. My research is centered on two main areas: first, investigating how regulating the stress hormone release can alleviate depressive symptoms in a mouse model of chronic-stress, and second, evaluating the efficacy of a novel drug in improving cognitive function in mouse models of aging and Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, I am developing an independent research line exploring how maternal obesity can have long-term effects on the offspring’s brain, potentially increasing their risk of developing depression.

2016-2018

Laboratory Technician.

Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Nutrition.

Federico Gómez Children’s Hospital of Mexico. Mexico City, Mexico.

I conducted laboratory tests to support the diagnosis of various gastrointestinal disorders, including malabsorption syndrome, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, lactose intolerance, Helicobacter pylori infection, and cystic fibrosis. The tests I performed included ELISA, the Van de Kamer method, Sudan III staining, D-Xylose absorption test, sweat test using pilocarpine iontophoresis, urea breath test, and hydrogen breath test. Additionally, I served as an instructor and co-organizer for the theoretical-practical course "Selected Topics in Gastroenterology and Nutrition."

2013-2014

Laboratory Technician Internship.

Central Clinical Laboratory and Laboratory of Genetics.

Federico Gómez Children’s Hospital of Mexico. Mexico City, Mexico.

I analyzed human karyotypes using Giemsa staining, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and PCR to identify aneuploidy, polyploidy, and specific genetic mutations. Additionally, I collected blood samples from pediatric patients to perform analyses of blood chemistry and coagulation factors.

Awards

Womenmind Postdoctoral Fellowship (2024 - 2025). Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Canada.
Ph.D. Scholarship of Mexico’s National Council of Science and Technology (2018-2022).
Awarded Fourth Place in the science popularization competition: "My thesis in 180 seconds" (2022). Nantes Université. France.
Prize for best poster during the Scientific Days of the Doctoral School of Biology and Health (2020). Nantes Université, France.
Graduate Scholarship of the Program of Excellence in Nursing, Medicine and Nutrition. Carlos Slim Foundation (2015-2016). Mexico.
MSc. Scholarship of Mexico’s National Council of Science and Technology (2014-2016).
Awarded Best academic performance in the Master’s program in Molecular Biomedicine (2016). IPN. Mexico.
BSc. Scholarship of the Institutional Research Training Program (2010-2012). IPN. Mexico.

Languages

Spanish - Native language.

English - Fluent.

French - Fluent.

Italian - Basic level.

Other interests

I love art and nature! My favorite activities include reading, oil painting, exploring museums and theaters, hiking, and working out at the gym.