I am currently a postdoctoral fellow in the group of Helder Maiato at the Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S). I have strong expertise in cell division, having studied both mitosis during my PhD in the group of Stephen Royle, and mammalian meiosis in the group of Melina Schuh. Currently, I am studying fundamental mechanisms of cell division in mitosis and meiosis using rapid protein inactivation techniques. At i3S, I have set up the mammalian oocyte model system, bringing new expertise and generating new collaborations within the institute and internationally. I aim to transition to an independent research career within the next few years and establish my position in the field of cell division. To do so, I am leading my currently project semi-independently, have opened a new line of research in my host laboratory, and have already attracted competitive funding, such as a Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship and a NanoPrime grant from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (UK). Overall, I have published 7 papers in high-impact journals, which have had a strong influence on the field. I have mentored and co-supervised 2 PhD students and 1 Master student, and am currently co-supervising 1 PhD student. I also participate in science communication and dissemination by being a contributor to PreLights (Company of Biologists), organising regional science meetings in Cell Biology, and a strong online presence (@SciencyCheese). I have also been consistently involved in policy-making as illustrated by taking on roles such as Postgraduate Physiology Society President, University Senate Representative, and more recently Representative of Foreign Researchers at i3S.