I focus my research on several interconnected key areas: fish larval ecology, behavioural ecology, and the effect of anthropogenic changes, such as ocean acidification and warming, on fish behaviour and physiology. These areas are linked by a common goal: understand how behaviour, and different life history strategies and features might influence the survival of larval stages. This knowledge is critical for a better understanding of population connectivity and recruitment in a changing environment, with implications for both conservation and fisheries¿ management purpose. I have acquired large experience in field sampling techniques, rearing of fish in laboratorial facilities, experimental designs, and interpretation of behavioural patterns. I am recognized as a behavioural expert among peers, and this acknowledgment provides me the opportunity to grow as an independent researcher. My contribution to these fields gave rise to 26papers published in peer-reviewed journals; additionally, I have authored 1 book chapter, co-authored 1 book chapter, and authored and co-authored over 40 oral and poster communications in national and international meetings. Since I obtained my PhD I have been able to secure competitive national funding. I was the Principal Investigator of ACIDLARVAE (2013-2015), a project aiming at investigating the effects of high CO2 levels on behaviour and development of temperate fish larvae. As the Principal Investigator, I gathered a team of 5 national members and 2 international renowned experts in the field of larval ecology, behaviour and climate changes. Through the development of this project, I coordinated all the research team, both field and laboratory work, and was involved in the preparation of manuscripts and progress reporting. As a result of this project, I successfully published four papers, as senior author. I am currently the Principal Investigador of NextGen (2018-2022), a project that investigates the potential of fish to acclimate, through developmental and/or transgenerational plasticity, to future ocean warming (OW), acidification (OA) and interacting effects (OWA). Under this project, I also gathered a team of 5 members, including 2 international experts in the field of larval ecology, behaviour and climate changes. Due to my expertise in fish larval ecology and behavior, I have been invited to join, as a team member, other projects, such as MATRIX (2009-2013), REEFFISH (2013-2015), FISHNOISE (2018-2020), SARDITEMP (2018-2021), where I am responsible for designing and running experiments on larval behavior, as well as data analysis, preparation of manuscripts and progress reporting. These projects allowed me the development of field work competencies, but also provided me the opportunity to be involved in project management (as PI and team member). Moreover, it allowed me to improve my supervision skills. I am currently the supervisor of 4 PhD students, and have supervised over 10 master students, in addition to multiple internship students. I was selected in 2015 as one of the most promising early career scientists for the development of research in health and environmental sciences, among over 80 applicants, and was one of the three winners of the L¿Oréal Portugal Medals of Honor for Women in Science (12th edition). This Program traditionally awards researchers in the field of medical sciences. It was the first time that, in Portugal, the prize was awarded in the field of Marine Ecology. I took the opportunity to convert the award into a financing opportunity, which allowed me to study deeper the effects of exposure to high CO2 on fish reproduction. Since 2016 I am also part of the editorial board of Acta Ethologica, a journal that publishes in the field of animal behavior, and as a biologist working in experimental biology, and someone worried about welfare issues, I am an active member of ORBEA-ISPA, the organism responsible for animal welfare issues, at ISPA.