Joana Costa (JC) holds a degree in Biology (University of évora) and a master degree in Molecular and Cell Biology (University of Aveiro). During the degree project in the molecular biology laboratory at the University of Évora (2020), JC developed new Vitis vinifera genotyped resistant to powdery and downy mildew. After concluding her degree, she was a summer intern at MED (University of Évora) and a Research Initiation Grant, which allowed her to deepen her scientific expertise in molecular biology techniques. During 2021-2022, she had her first experience in the professional setting, being employed in a plant breeding and biotechnology company (Despertafolia) working on micropropagation, induction of rooting, and acclimatisation of woody species. Afterwards, she developed her master thesis in CESAM (University of Aveiro) wherein she investigated the lipid adaptations of the marine fungus Zalerion maritima under different environmental conditions and to evaluate the potential bioactivities of its lipid extracts. Two poster communications were related to the work developed during her project degree (2022), and she had the opportunity to deliver a pitch at the 12th Workshop in Lipidomics – Marine Lipidomics. In 2024, JC was selected for a Research Grant under the R&D project BEAUTY (PTDC/CTA-AMB/3970/2020) at CESAM (University of Aveiro). Under this ambit, she acquired training in ecotoxicology techniques, including maintenance and cultivation of model species, and in carrying out ecotoxicology tests.