Susana Ferreira holds a BSc and MSc in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Beira Interior (UBI), where she developed a strong foundation in translational neuroscience. Her master's dissertation explored the neuroprotective potential of high-frequency repetitive magnetic stimulation (HF-rMS) on astrocytes exposed to ischemic injury, leading to two peer-reviewed publications — one original research article and one systematic review — and presentations at national and international congresses. To reinforce her technical and methodological skills, she undertook certified training in animal experimentation and fluorescence microscopy, and later completed an Erasmus+ research internship at the Complutense University of Madrid, where she specialized in the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) stroke model in rodents. In 2022, she joined the “Segesterone Acetate Intranasal Nanoemulsion” project as a research fellow, contributing to pharmacological development and behavioral assessment in ischemic models. Currently, Susana is pursuing a PhD in Biomedicine at UBI and is also enrolled in the Integrated Master’s in Medicine at the same institution, combining basic research with clinical training. Her doctoral project focuses on the hypoxic preconditioning of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells as an innovative therapeutic strategy for ischemic stroke. This project is funded by FCT and has been distinguished with the Promove – Ideias: o Futuro do Interior award for its merit and relevance. In parallel with her academic and research career, Susana has demonstrated strong entrepreneurial initiative. She developed HepaDerm/MediHive, a novel medical device concept for targeted drug delivery using 3D microchannels, which was distinguished with three innovation prizes: INNOCUP 2023, HealthCup 2024, and a second Promove award. She has also contributed to higher education through teaching in Neurobiology and Medical Sciences, co-supervised multiple student research projects, and co-authored several scientific publications in high-impact journals. Multidisciplinary, driven, and committed to bridging the gap between bench and bedside, Susana seeks to contribute to the future of neuroscience and regenerative medicine through a combination of scientific excellence, clinical insight, and innovation.