Vanessa Poletto Borges, PhD
Hamilton, ON • [email protected]
Website: http://pborges.ca • Languages: Portuguese (native), Spanish (fluent)
Profile
University lecturer and academic administrator with expertise in molecular biology, genetics, and physiology. Experienced in designing and delivering upper-year undergraduate courses and supporting students through clear instruction, inclusive pedagogy, and structured assessment. Strong program operations background in graduate admissions, advising, and data reporting within a research-intensive faculty.
Core Strengths
- Undergraduate teaching, curriculum delivery, and assessment design
- Molecular & microbial genetics; gene regulation; stress response mechanisms; evolution
- Academic advising and student support (undergraduate + graduate)
- Program administration, policy interpretation, and compliance
- Data analysis & reporting
- Public speaking, mentorship, and TA supervision
Academic Appointments & Teaching
Lecturer (Course Instructor), MOLBIOL 3O03 – Microbial Genetics — McMaster University, Dept. of Biology
Fall 2025
- Delivered all lectures for an upper-year undergraduate course in bacterial and phage genetics
- Designed and evaluated assessments (quizzes, midterm, final exam)
- Integrated primary literature through recurring “Microbe Minute” research discussions
- Supervised TA support and provided individualized student guidance
Lecturer (Course Instructor), MOLBIOL 3II3 – Molecular Genetics of Eukaryotes — McMaster University, Dept. of Biology
Winter 2024
- Delivered full lecture series on gene regulation, RNA surveillance, epigenetics, and model organism genetics
- Developed assessments and active learning activities
- Supported students through office hours and targeted academic coaching
Academic Administration
Graduate Officer, Medical Sciences Graduate Program — McMaster University, Faculty of Health Sciences
April 2023 – Present
- Manage graduate admissions workflows; evaluate files and prepare summaries for faculty committees
- Analyze and report admissions/enrolment data to support program planning and decision-making
- Provide high-quality advising to prospective and current students with confidentiality and equity in mind
- Coordinate recruitment initiatives (webinars/events) and support communications/social media content
Education
PhD, Biology — University of Waterloo (Waterloo, ON) • Completed March 2022
MSc, Botany / Biology — Federal University of Santa Catarina (Brazil) • Completed April 2015