I recently completed my PhD in Engineering Physics, Metrology and Quality, on the 24th of November 2023, at the University of Coimbra. During my MSc and PhD studies I was affiliated to LIBPhys-UC, a group that develops scientific instrumentation for radiation detection. LIBPhys-UC granted me two MSc research grants until I got funding through the FCT PhD Studentship program. During this time, I focused on improving the performance of gaseous detectors through the optimization of gas mixtures and the characterization of novel micro-patterned gaseous multipliers. My PhD was integrated on the research and development (R&D) efforts for CYGNO, an International Directional Dark Matter Experiment. To validate results previously obtained by the collaboration, I designed, mounted, installed and operated a dedicated prototype, APPLE, at the University of Coimbra. Besides validation tests, the higher simplicity and reproducibility of APPLE allowed us to obtain a deeper understanding on the performance of different gas mixtures and detector layouts being considered by the collaboration for the final detector design. I also actively participated in the data analaysis efforts for the CYGNO experiment, implementing machine learning algorithms for 3D track reconstruction using the CYGNO computing model (based on the INFN cloud infrastructure). After my PhD, I was challenged to step out of the niche of gaseous detectors, in which I conducted my MSc and PhD studies, and to dive into the field of Molecular Rotational Resonance (MRR) spectroscopy. I was attracted to the countless applications of a technique able to unambiguously identify molecular systems in complex mixtures and accepted a a 3+3-year contract as a Junior Researcher at UC, joining the ERC Starting Grant MICRoARTiS. I actively participated in the installation of a broadband microwave spectrometer in the new laboratory at the UC, also takng part in all experimental measurements, meetings, group activities ever since the laboratory was first operational. Just 3 months I defended my PhD, I submitted an Exploratory Project to FCT, to use my instrumentation knowledge to solve of the major limitations in MRR spectroscopy. Despite the very low approval rate of 22% and my youngness as a researcher, I was able to secure the required financing, giving me an opportunity to also connduct independent research as a Principal Investigator.