PhD in Biology from the University of Lisbon, Portugal with over 20 years of experience working with marine mammals and environmental educational programs. Director and founder of AIMM - Associação para a Investigação do Meio Marinho / Marine Environment Association, a Portuguese non-profit and non-governmental organization for marine research, education and conservation since 2010. She has acquired diverse professional skills through studying, researching, working in academia, private sector and NGOs. Joana has vast experience with different methodology techniques particularly for cetacean studies, including but not limited to, survey design, photo-identification, behaviour focal follows, passive acoustic monitoring, biopsy and blow samples collection, drone surveys and underwater videos. Possesses excellent verbal communication skills and creates strong working bonds with students and colleagues. Particular experience in the creation, implementation and coordination of research projects, environmental educations programs and marine mammal consulting. Proficient presenter at conferences and classes, able to explain complex information to audiences of all levels. Can work autonomously and as part of a team. Collaborative team player and leader, with strong social skills. Has worked in different places in the world (12 different countries, including developing countries) with different cultures, requiring flexibility and adaptability to constant changes. Member of several marine mammal organizations worldwide. Extensive international collaborations with marine mammal research teams (e.g. Ocean Alliance; University of Alaska; University of Hawaii; University of Texas A&M Galveston; University of Dunedin) and international organizations (e.g. NATO; IATTC); Vast experience supervising students and educational programs (e.g. internship programs)