Joana Brito (JB) graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from the University of Minho in 2021. During her undergraduate studies, she delved into a broad range of scientific domains, including cellular and molecular biology, clinical biochemistry, and pharmacology. Her interest in neurosciences flourished in her Bachelor’s final report on the role of sorting Nexin 27 in the regulation of pain via glutamatergic transmission. This research project was performed at ICVS – Life and Health Sciences Research Institute of the University of Minho, where she was able to refine laboratory techniques such as genotyping and western blotting. Additionally, she actively contributed to animal experimentation involving behavioral analyses, which demonstrates her holistic approach to scientific inquiry. Her excellent academic results in the disciplines of pharmacology and genetics motivated JB to earn a master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology from the University of Coimbra in 2023. This specialization provided JB with a distinct perspective on research and innovation, focusing on cutting-edge technologies to develop products oriented toward the well-being of patients. Her academic experience was complemented by her internship at the Research and Innovation department of the pharmaceutical company Bluepharma, where JB contributed to the development of pharmaceutical formulations, including oromucosal sprays, hydrogels and polymeric microparticles. JB also participated in the identification of unmet medical needs and market opportunities, driving innovation to improve patient outcomes. In addition to her laboratory work in a highly regulated environment, JB led a deep review on the immuno-oncology field, providing invaluable insights to the company’s R&D efforts in the development of complex injectable medicines for oncology. In line with her aspirations to become a scientific leader promoting the translation of fundamental scientific concepts into tangible healthcare innovations, JB is currently pursuing a postgraduate course in Biomedical Research at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Coimbra, expected to be completed in June 2024. During this period, she has reinforced her research skills and gained experience in cell culture and transfection methodologies at iCBR – Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research. Since 2023, JB is also certified by the Portuguese Society of Veterinary Sciences to perform animal experiments. She has recently joined the group of Dr. Lino Ferreira as a research fellow to develop advanced cellular models to evaluate the activity of nanoformulations targeting the central nervous system for cellular reprogramming. Beyond her academic and professional pursuits, JB is deeply invested in community engagement and mentorship. She has demonstrated high standards of integrity and leadership as a volleyball referee, and more recently as a member of the regional volleyball refereeing commission, where she has organized courses to disseminate the principles of fair play and sportsmanship and contribute to the integrity of competitive sports. JB is dedicated to nurturing talent within her community, as evidenced by her participation in social initiatives. From empowering youth through her involvement in an Erasmus+ project to addressing pressing global challenges through her contributions to a national project focused on developing a portable water purifier, JB is committed to effecting positive societal change.