I am an early-career researcher with a BSc in Genetics and Biotechnology from the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (2016), and an MSc in Biodiversity, Genetics, and Evolution from the University of Porto (2022), with my master's thesis focused on developing kelp reforestation methods at the Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR). My background combines laboratory and field experience in macroalgae ecology, habitat restoration and biodiversity monitoring, as well as applied research in marine conservation planning, where I contributed to the assessment of national biodiversity monitoring needs, indicator frameworks, and stakeholder engagement. I have participated in two national and five international projects, including INDIMAR, ALGALUP, SølKelp, and Ocean3R. I have delivered two oral communications and one poster presentation at national scientific events, I was invited to lecture on marine forest restoration in a Master’s programme, and helped organise two scientific workshops on marine protected area monitoring. I also participated in the 2024 CIIMAR Open Day with the Deep-Sea Biodiversity and Conservation team, engaging the public in science communication and marine conservation outreach. As a result of my research, I have submitted two first-author articles, one on kelp reforestation and another on kelp ecology. I am a certified Wildlife Conservation Professional by WildTeam UK, having completed all core modules in project planning, stakeholder engagement, grant writing, and monitoring & evaluation. I have also completed training in scientific writing, data science, FAIR data principles, and hold diving certifications. My goal is to contribute to ocean conservation by advancing ecological knowledge and applying it to real-world restoration challenges. I am particularly committed to continuing work in marine ecosystem restoration, especially in the development and implementation of effective strategies for sponge-dominated habitats.