With a BSc in Biology and an MSc in Biochemistry from the University of Coimbra, I began my scientific journey researching microglia-mediated neuroinflammation and its role in blood-brain barrier dysfunction in glioblastoma (MSc thesis at iCBR-FMUC, Coimbra). In 2017, I was awarded a research fellowship from Liga Portuguesa contra o Cancro (NRC-LPCC/CIMAGO 2018), where I explored innovative therapeutic strategies for muscle-invasive bladder cancer by combining chemotherapy with immune checkpoint blockade (at iCBR-FMUC).

In 2019, I joined the Neuro & Skeletal Circuits (NeSk) Group at i3S to study the role of the sympathetic nervous system in breast cancer bone metastasis. I later contributed to the RESTORE project, advancing smart nanobiomaterial-based 3D matrices for chondral repair. This work strengthened my interest in the intersection of neuroscience, immunology, and regenerative medicine

I recently completed my PhD in Biotechnology in Health Sciences (BiotechHealth Doctoral Programme, ICBAS-FFUP), where I developed tissue-engineered strategies for cartilage regeneration using 3D bioprinting, nanotechnology, and advanced biomaterials, while also uncovering neuro-immune interactions triggered by implant wear debris in periprosthetic inflammation.

I am currently working in an European project focused on developing siRNA-based therapies for osteoarthritis, continuing to explore innovative solutions at the interface of biomaterials, molecular therapeutics, and regenerative medicine.