In 2021, I concluded my BSc in Biotechnology at the University of Aveiro (2018/2021) with a final grade of 17/20 (A in ECTS considering the prior four years). In the last year of my BSc, I did an internship as a research trainee with Dr. Ana Tavares and Dr. Miguel Neto at CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials and at the Department of Engineering and Materials, to develop the project “Oxidative enzymes immobilization on functionalized diamond surfaces” (graded 18/20), exploring the very first steps of a boron-doped diamond-based enzymatic biosensor for phenolic compounds with potential applications in monitoring neurologic biomarkers. Next, I completed the MSc in Biochemistry and Biomedicine (2021/2024) at the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon with a final grade of 19/20. In my master’s project, I worked with Dr. Sandra Vaz at Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lisbon, in the project “Role of astrocytes in the endocannabinoid-mediated long-term depression in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC)“ (graded 20/20). Our aim was to unveil the astroglial CB1R role in the synaptic plasticity of mPFC and its translational value for depressive behavior. Briefly, we proposed a new mechanism behind long-term depression (LTD) maintenance where astrocytes respond to endocannabinoids by increasing their intracellular Ca2+ frequency and decreasing glutamate uptake, ultimately shaping LTD. This work resulted in two publications as contributing author: one already submitted for peer-reviewed publication in Nature Communications journal, in collaboration with the highly regarded Dr. Alfonso Araque (Nat. Commun, doi:10.3390/cells12030381); and another still under preparation reviewing the astrocyte’s contribution to neuroplastic alterations underlying depression highlighting the glutamatergic/endocannabinoid systems. During the last year, I presented this work in several science communications, including three international conferences (FENS Regional Meeting 2023; VII symposium of Portuguese Glial Network and AIMS Meeting 2023) and a national oral communication (53º Encontro da Sociedade Portuguesa de Farmacologia). Additionally, I had the opportunity to participate in several workshops, including the highly competitive “Synaptic function in epileptic disorders” workshop (EpiEpiNet) hosted by Sapienza University in Rome. I also did a Laboratory Animal Science Course for Function A (+D) (former FELASA Category B) CONGENTO to become fully independent on animal manipulation. Since 2023 I have been a member of Sociedade Portuguesa de Neurociências, Sociedade Portuguesa de Farmacologia, and Portuguese Glial Network. Currently, I am visiting Dr. Luisa Pinto’s lab, whose work focuses on novel therapeutics for depression with a link to neuro-glial plasticity. Here, I learned new concepts and techniques while having the opportunity to engage in the team's ongoing projects. Moreover, I was recentrly awarded with a PhD Studentship (2024.01292.BDANA) by FCT, to develop the project "AstroMap: Understanding Adult Astrogliogenesis in Health and Depression" under the supervision of Dr. Luisa Pinto, Dr. Sandra Vaz and Dr. Teresa Canedo. During this period, I was also able to participate in the organizing committee of the VIII symposium of the Portuguese Glial Network and to enroll in a science communication program (Scientist Returns to School) that promotes the communication of science to children through interactive workshops. To date, I already conducted two workshops in Escola Básica de Arões Santa-Cristina and in Escola Básica de Arões São-Romão where we playfully explored how the brain works.