Media Release

Mangaluru, Jun 28: Andrea Pinto, a dedicated researcher in the field of immunology and structural biology, has been awarded the title of Doctor of Philosophy in Structural Biology and Nanobiology from the Universite Grenoble Alpes (UGA), France.

The doctoral research was conducted at the esteemed Institut de Biologie Structurale (IBS) under the supervision of Dr Jean-Baptiste Reiser and Dr Wai Li Ling in Grenoble, France. The thesis, titled ‘Molecular and Structural Investigations of the Complement C1 Complex Interactions with IgMs’, not only enhances the fundamental understanding of immune system mechanisms but also holds potential implications for the development of therapeutic interventions targeting autoimmune diseases and immunodeficiencies.

During the course of her PhD, Andrea actively participated in several international scientific conferences in Spain, United Kingdom, Switzerland and was recognized for her scientific communication, earning the Best Oral Presenter award and travel grants on multiple occasions.

Andrea Pinto is the daughter of Anil Pinto a businessman and Judith Crasta public prosecutor, parishioners of Guardian Angel Church, Angelore, Mangaluru. She completed her schooling at St Agnes, followed by her Bachelor’s degree at St Aloysius College, Mangaluru. An alumna of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), she pursued her master 1 there before moving to France after securing scholarship for her Master 2 at Université Grenoble Alpes.

As Andrea celebrates this academic milestone, she looks forward to continuing research where scientific discovery meets clinical impact. Her achievements have brought pride to her family, mentors, and the academic communities she has been part of both in India and France.

Her sister Ancita secured 10th rank in the Karnataka state law exam.