In 2022, I earned a biology degree from the University of Coimbra (UC), followed by a master’s degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology with a specialization in Neurobiology at the same institution. Most of my scientific background is in Neuroscience, but I also acquired experience in Microbiology and Organelle Trafficking. During my undergraduate studies, I conducted a project at the Micro Resistant Lab, led by Prof. Isabel Henriques (Centre for Functional Ecology, UC), investigating antibiotic resistance-related genes in microplastic-associated bacteria from the Mondego River. While the project was fruitful, I also acquired my first set of research skills, including bacterial plating, culture maintenance, DNA extraction, and RT-PCR. During my master's degree, I completed two lab rotations. The first was at the Synapse Biology Lab (Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, UC), led by Prof. Ana Luísa Carvalho, where I studied the effects of anti-CASPR2 autoantibodies on rat cortical neuronal cultures. Using micro-electrode arrays, I showed that these autoantibodies increase neuronal excitability and network connectivity. The second rotation was at the Membrane Traffic in Disease Lab (NOVA Medical School), led by Prof. Duarte C. Barral, where I assessed the ability of genetic and pharmacological inhibition of lysosomal exocytosis in reducing the growth and invasiveness of triple-negative breast cancer cells. I analyzed tumor markers and molecular changes following treatments, using cell spheroids, migration assays, RT-PCR, and flow cytometry . After exposure to these different research fields, I was very keen to pursue a project in neuroimmunology for my master’s thesis. I returned to the Synapse Biology Lab under Prof. Carvalho’s supervision, studying anti-CASPR1 autoantibodies in patients with painful demyelinating neuropathies. I demonstrated their binding to hippocampal neurons and slices using immunofluorescence and assessed their functional impact through micro-electrode arrays, calcium imaging, and electrophysiology. After my master's, I joined Prof. Carvalho’s lab as a laboratory technician, studying the pathogenic mechanisms of CASPR2 autoantibodies. I am currently investigating how CASPR2 autoantibodies disrupt the interaction between CASPR2 and PMCA2, a membrane-bound calcium extrusion pump, leading to hyperexcitability and higher intracellular calcium. I co-authored a communication on this research, orally presented at the International Encephalitis Conference in December 2024. I am actively engaged in scientific/academic activities, including organizing the 2024 Neuroscience and Disease retreat of the Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB). I presented my thesis research at the DCV talks (a seminar series at the Department of Life Sciences, UC), and will present my work on the BEB day, an event organized by the doctoral program in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine. From May to September 2025, I will take up a research assistant position at the laboratory of Dr. Quan Zhang, an experienced electrophysiologist and expert in islet physiology. This will provide me with an excellent opportunity to learn new skills (single cell- electrophysiology and RNA sequencing) before starting my PhD. Additionally, I am collaborating with Dr. Ester Coutinho on a literature review entitled “Maternal to Fetal Transfer of Antibodies in Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders”. I am also a member of the Group of Studies in Neuroimmunology and Encephalitis (GENIE), working in the science communication department. From a young age, I pursued experiences to build key professional skills. Working in hospitality from 14 to 21, I developed leadership, problem-solving, and time management abilities. As a federated volleyball athlete, I gained resilience, teamwork, and emotional control. These experiences shaped me into a mature, dedicated professional passionate about neuroscience and discovery.