FC

Francesca Cignarella

Project Manager - Neuroscience at Foundation for the National Institutes of Health

Washington, District of Columbia

Overview

Work Experience

  • Project Manager - Neuroscience

    2023 - Current

    Leading projects in the field of Alzheimer's, contributing to cutting-edge research, innovation, and fostering collaboration in public-private partnerships among Government, Academia, and Pharmaceutical companies.

  • Board Observer

    2022 - 2023

  • Investment Associate

    2021 - 2023

    Dolby Family Ventures is an early-stage venture firm focused on building great technology and life sciences companies. The fund honors the legacy of Ray Dolby and his commitment to entrepreneurs and their vision to solve the world’s toughest problems. The life science investments focus on novel neuroscience therapeutics, therapeutics for clinical depression, and neuromodulation/neurostimulation. http://www.dolbyventures.com/

  • Board Observer

    2021 - 2023

  • Senior Scientist, Immuno-Neurology

    2021 - 2021

  • Scientist, Immuno-Neurology

    2019 - 2021

  • Consultant

    2017 - 2019

    Biotechnology and Life Sciences Advising Group (BALSA) Provided market research, technology assessment, competitor analysis, and business plan development for a diverse clientele including startups, universities, and companies.

  • Postdoctoral Fellow

    2014 - 2019

    ▪ Study of the MS4A gene cluster as a key modulator of soluble TREM2 and Alzheimer’s disease risk. ▪ Characterization of the function of the immunoreceptor TREM2 in microglial cells in vitro and in vivo. ▪ Study of the impact of intermittent fasting on a mouse model of multiple sclerosis.

  • Research Fellow

    2013 - 2014

    ▪ Study of the relationship between iron and neurodegeneration in neuroferritinophaties. ▪ Study of structural, functional and immunological properties of proteins, with particular attention to the proteins of iron metabolism. ▪ Study of the functional and immunological characteristics of natural ferritins.

  • PhD Student

    2010 - 2013

    ▪ Study of the biological alteration of human primary cells and cell line cultures induced by HIV proteins and its variants. ▪ Study of the biological alteration of human primary cells and cell line cultures induced by herpesvirus-6.

  • Trainee

    2007 - 2008

    ▪ Assay design of PCR kits for SNPs analysis.

Relevant Websites