My research focuses on the immune responses to emerging viral infections and vaccines in humans, with emphasis on older adults. The best advice I received was by the incredibly talented mentors I had and, in brief, it is to stay curious, celebrate wins no matter if they are big or small, be resilient and don’t be afraid of speaking up. Regarding my hobbies, I absolutely love the water! Whether it’s floating, swimming, surfing, or diving, any chance I get, I escape to a warm, white sandy beach. I love the comfort of being underwater, the sensation of feeling small, and the peace and silence offered by the deep blue ocean.
Briefly, what is your research about?
The Lucas Lab explores immune responses to emerging viral infections and vaccines in humans, with emphasis on older adults.
Tell us your thoughts about ICIS: how has being involved in the Cytokine Society helped your career?
The Cytokine Society has provided me with invaluable networking opportunities, access to cutting-edge research, and a supportive community that has helped boosting my career as a junior faculty.
Are there any particular friendships or collaborations that came specifically out of Cytokines meetings?
Though I’m naturally on the introverted side, the Cytokines meetings have always been warm, welcoming, and great for making new friends. The 2022 meeting in Hawaii was especially memorable for me. I made lasting friendships there and am now excited about the potential collaborations at the upcoming meeting in Seoul, Korea, as my lab starts to take off.
What Cytokines meeting(s) have been your favorites? Tell us about any special memories or anecdotes.
The 2022 meeting in Hawaii stands out as my favorite. It was my first in-person meeting after the challenging lockdown months of the pandemic. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement as everyone reconnected with old friends. And of course, the astonishing sunsets over the beach after the presentations added a special touch to the experience.
What do you like to do when not in the lab?
I absolutely love the water! Whether it’s floating, swimming, surfing, or diving, any chance I get, I escape to a warm, white sandy beach. I love the comfort of being underwater, the sensation of feeling small, and the peace and silence offered by the deep blue ocean.
What is the best life/career advice you’ve ever received?
I’ve had incredible talented mentors, who have shared invaluable wisdom:
- Stay Curious!
- Celebrate Wins: Big or small, celebrate.
- Be Resilient: There will be many challenges, but even if you’re going through hell, keep going (preferably with a lab coat and safety goggles).
- Speak Up: If you’re not at the table, you’re probably on the menu. Don’t be afraid to voice your ideas.
What book or TV show are you reading/watching right now that you recommend?
“The Autobiography of Malcolm X.” It’s a great read about the power of transformation, the importance of education, social justice, and activism. As for TV shows, “The Knick.” It’s a series set in a 1900s NYC hospital, exploring the boundaries of medicine, science and morality.
What is your favorite cytokine?
As a researcher interested in immune responses to viruses, I have to mention type I IFNs. However, as our recent work increasingly focuses on B cells and aging, I’ve become more and more of an IL-21 enthusiast.
Reach Carolina on Twitter/X: @carolilucas
Carolina Lucas, Ph.D., is Assistant Professor of Immunobiology and a member of the Center for Infection and Immunity at Yale University.
Carolina is also the 2024 winner of the ICIS-Christina Fleischmann Award for Excellence in Cytokine & Interferon Research.
Where did you do your training?
I completed my undergraduate degree at Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro in Brazil and earned my Ph.D. from the same institution (UFRJ) and ETH Zurich (Brazil, Switzerland).
After that, I did my postdoctoral training at Yale under the mentorship of Dr. Akiko Iwasaki (also known in the twitter science realm as @VirusesImmunity).
Photo: Carolina enjoying a favorite pastime – diving. This was in Hawaii after attending Cytokines 2022.
