Diana Sousa has a bachelor’s degree in biology and Geology (2019) and a M.Sc. degree in Biophysics and Bionanosystems, concluded in 2022 both from the University of Minho. Her master's thesis was entitled "Optimization of nanoparticles for topical delivery of icilin in rheumatic diseases" and it was developed at the Bioprocess and Bionanotechnology Research Group at the Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho. Her work focused on the preparation, characterization and optimization of two types of nanoparticles, polymeric and liposomes. Throughout her career, Diana expanded her scientific skills. She is a self-sufficient user of distinct techniques across different areas, like: the development of nanoparticles (high-pressure homogenization, and ethanolic injection methods); characterization techniques like Dynamic Light Scattering, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Fourier Transformed Infra-Red, differential scanning calorimeter, thermal gravimetric analysis, Circular dichroism, and High-performance liquid chromatography. Diana also has expertise in drug release studies (dialysis bag method), transdermal permeation assay using Franz diffusion cells. Diana's main interests are related to the interaction of compounds with distinct cells; therefore, she acquired expertise in cell culture maintenance and propagation. She started with by culturing and characterizing mono-cultures, moving to co-cultures, and recently she began to explore 3D in vitro cell models. The importance of a thorough characterization in well known, so Diana focused on the of distinct techniques to characterize the distinct cellular models, form the simplest ones Bradford assay and Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate–Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis, cellular viability to migration, flow cytometry (cell cycle and apoptosis), evaluation of the production of reactive oxygen species, as well as, the inflammatory response using ELISA kits. To success in her endeavors Diana has attended and successfully concluded advanced courses in Bionanodevices for Clinic Diagnosis, Bionanosystems with Pharmaceutical and Dermacosmetic applications, and Functional and Intelligent Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications, at the University of Minho. She also attended the course “Nutrition for Health and Sustainability”. Her qualifications earned her a position as a researcher in a project founded by a European Grant. The project consortium is composed by the University of Minho, University of Azores, Mesosystem S.S. company and the Norwegian food research institute Nofima (PT-INNOVATION-0096). Simultaneously, Diana has been involved in different projects that led to the publication of scientific papers: 10.3390/antiox13020192, 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1136077, and 10.3390/antiox14030338 . Her extensive experimental work has a common base: the evaluation of natural compounds at a cellular level. Diana presented her work at the AL4aninals Congress on Comparative and Translational Medicine and Biotechnology, in the format of an oral presentation. She also presented her work at the “Encontro Ciência 2023: Ciência e o Oceano Para Além do Horizonte” in the format of a poster. For the past two years, Diana has mentored several master's students. Two of them have already enrolled in a PhD program. Diana has collaborated in several science communication events, like Sientia@laboratorio, Noite Europeia dos Investigadores and “Universidade de portas abertas”. Diana is currently working at Mesosystem.SA , where she is involved in the Shrimp4NanoCosmetics project. Her work focuses on the development and application of nanoparticles synthesized using chitosan extracted from shrimp shells. These chitosan-based nanoparticles will be incorporated into various cosmetic products. The project explores marine biopolymers for innovative, sustainable cosmetics, using chitosan’s properties to improve efficacy and stability.