My name is Joana Gomes and I am a PhD student in Chemical and Biological Engineering at University of Minho with the theme "Metagenomics for mining novel Biosurfactants from Saline Environments". During my PhD, I have developed skills in DNA extraction and microorganism isolation from saline environments, construction of metagenomic libraries, and analysis of metagenomic data to identify novel biosurfactants. Previously, I did my degree in Biochemistry in 2018 and my master's degree in Molecular Genetics in 2021. My master's thesis consisted in the ''Development of a cell factory for the production of Tyrosol and its derivatives from Shikimate pathway'', which resulted in a patent application (PCT/EP2022/053036 - Microbial Production of Tyrosol and Salidroside). After, I started as Junior Scientist at SilicoLife under the scope of Shikifactory100 project, an Horizon2020 project aiming to produce cell factories for 100 valuable compounds. During this period, I developed some techniques such as genetic manipulation, E. coli culture, protein and DNA electrophoresis, enzymatic activities, PCR and HPLC. Further, I acquired skills on the characterization of engineered strains, development of analytical methods for compounds identification and consequent rounds of processes optimization to improve yields and productivities. Moreover, during the last years I presented my work at several conferences, mentored some master's students and had the opportunity to work alongside with several international students. Besides, I am an organized and responsible person with lots of team spirit and creativity. Lastly, my participation in several activities like NEI (“Noite Europeia dos Investigadores”) and different workshops denotated that I am also a curious, persistent and highly motivated person.