Dr. Carla M. Abreu is an Assistant Investigator at the Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), in Porto, Portugal, supported by an individual FCT award (CEECIND/01985/2018). Her professional journey includes a decade abroad, across four different countries (Ireland, Spain, USA, Portugal). During this period, she underwent advanced scientific training in animal development, cell/molecular biology, biochemistry, and genetics (in yeast, C. elegans, cell lines, and mouse models). Carla earned her PhD at the National University of Ireland Galway under the guidance of Prof. Lowndes, followed by a postdoc at the renowned Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, in the lab of Prof. Jasin. During her postdoc, she also visited the lab of Prof. Roig in Barcelona to obtain specialized training in mouse models. In 2018, Carla transitioned to i3S, embarking on her independent research venture focused on exploring the interplay between cell proliferation signaling pathways and congenital diseases. Carla has published in esteemed international peer-reviewed journals, including Nature Comm. (as first author), Journal of Cell Biology, and Cell Reports (both of which as co-corresponding author). To date, Carla has a total of 10 publications, 2 as first-author and 4 as co-corresponding author. Her work has garnered 303 citations, establishing an i10-index of 6. Recognizing her expertise, Carla has been invited to present at numerous national and international meetings (10 oral communications). In addition to her research achievements, Carla has played pivotal roles in organizing scientific meetings, including her role as co-organizer for the prestigious Gordon Conference in Meiosis 2018, held in New London, USA. Throughout her illustrious career, she has secured individual funding (Erasmus and PhD fellowships, and a Scientific Employment Contract), and received travel awards to attend international meetings. Carla was the Principal Investigator of a Project Grant awarded by FCT (2022.01964.PTDC) and has actively contributed to several other projects funded by both national and international agencies. Carla's commitment to mentorship is evident through her supervision of 3 researchers, 2 postdocs, and 18 students at various educational levels, including undergraduates, Master's, and Ph.D. students. The success of her mentoring is reflected in the numerous awards and fellowships received by her students, as well as their subsequent enrollment in prestigious training programs, such as Master's and Ph.D. degrees at renowned institutions like Stockholm and Oxford Universities. Beyond her academic pursuits, Carla has engaged in many outreach activities and served as an external advisor in thesis defenses, showcasing her commitment to the broader scientific community. Her expertise is further acknowledged through invitations to review manuscripts for internationally acclaimed scientific journals. Overall, Carla stands as a distinguished scientist, mentor, and contributor to the advancement of knowledge in her field.