Catarina Ferreira Medeiros holds a Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), where she built a strong interdisciplinary foundation spanning both exact and health sciences. During her undergraduate studies, she developed a growing interest in innovative strategies for disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Motivated by a deepening passion for health and biology, she pursued a Master's degree in Clinical Laboratory Biology at UTAD, which she completed in 2022. Her master’s thesis, titled “Effect of Cytinus spp. extract in a K14-HPV16 animal model”, earned a final grade of 19 out of 20 and marked the beginning of her commitment to research. Throughout her academic journey, Catarina has authored a scientific article, presented both poster and oral communications, and participated in national and international conferences — being distinguished with a Best Abstract Award (University of Minho). Between 2021 and 2024, she worked as a clinical analysis technician at João Lamartine Dias Lda., gaining hands-on experience in various disciplines including biochemistry, microbiology, hematology, endocrinology, and immunology. This practical experience, combined with her drive to find effective solutions, further fueled her passion for research and strengthened her resolve to pursue a scientific career focused on innovation in healthcare. In 2024, she returned to academia as a research fellow at UTAD, joining the project “Vine & Wine Portugal – Driving Sustainable Growth Through Smart Innovation: B221.” Her current research focuses on conducting ecotoxicological assays using Eisenia fetida as a model organism, alongside the formulation and preparation of artificial soils for experimental trials and subsequent analyses. During this period, she also participated in and helped organize several scientific outreach events, presented multiple posters, and actively engaged with the broader community. She is a co-author of two book chapters and two peer-reviewed publications focused on cancer prevention and therapeutic strategies using animal models. Currently, she also co-supervises an undergraduate student in Biochemistry. Catarina is a registered member of the Portuguese Order of Biologists (Professional License No. 4866) and is enrolled in the first-year pathway of the Order of Engineers (Professional License No. 97887).