I hold a five-year degree in Biotechnological Engineering and a Master’s degree in Biological Engineering, both from the University of Algarve (UAlg), as well as a PhD in Marine, Earth, and Environmental Sciences with a specialization in Environmental Biotechnology. I have over 11 years of research experience at the Environmental Technologies Laboratory (LTA), part of the EcoReach group at CCMAR, focusing on Environmental Biotechnology and Nanotechnology. My research is dedicated to developing sustainable strategies for environmental remediation, integrating biological and chemical methodologies to address critical ecological challenges. During an Erasmus-funded internship at the Université Libre de Bruxelles, I acquired early expertise in recombinant proteins and the application of cationic liposomes as vaccine adjuvants. This work provided foundational knowledge in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology within the field of Medical Biotechnology. I further enhanced my expertise in applied molecular biology techniques, including PCR-based assays and genotyping, during an industrial internship at Progenus S.A., a company specializing in advanced molecular diagnostics. This experience provided hands-on training in DNA extraction, RFLP-PCR, and qPCR to detect genetic variations and modifications, along with data analysis, while deepening my understanding of molecular biology techniques in an industrial context. As a Research Fellow at UAlg, I specialized in plant micropropagation, stress physiology, and the elucidation of mechanisms underlying metal hyperaccumulation in plants. Subsequently, in the LTA group at CCMAR, I expanded my expertise to include the biosynthesis, characterization, and functionalization of metal sulfide nanoparticles. These nanomaterials were investigated for their potential applications in environmental remediation processes. My PhD research significantly advanced the field by exploring the degradation of persistent and hazardous pharmaceutical pollutants through various distinct and innovative approaches. My PhD research significantly advanced the field by investigating the degradation of persistent and hazardous pharmaceutical pollutants through various distinct and innovative approaches. All techniques focused on the degradation of pharmaceutical pollutants and included: (1) photocatalysis using metallic sulfide nanoparticles, (2) the application of bacterial communities or isolates recovered from environmental samples, including those from extreme environments, under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions, and (3) studies involving granular sludge systems. Throughout my career, I have been actively involved as a researcher in several multidisciplinary projects focused on environmental solutions, including research projects such as BIONANOMINE, METALCHEMBIO, and PROBIOMA. My work has led to significant contributions in the development of novel nanomaterials and biotechnological processes for pollution mitigation and resource recovery. I have oriented and mentored students at all academic levels, promoting interdisciplinary research, innovation, and the effective transfer of knowledge. I have also presented my findings at national and international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals. My overarching goal is to design and implement innovative, sustainable solutions that promote waste reuse, advance environmental sustainability, and contribute to addressing global ecological challenges.