Rafaela Tavares Seixas holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology and a Master's in Neurobiology. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Neurosciences at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto. Her academic journey reflects a keen interest in the intricacies of neuroscience. In her role as a Ph.D. student, Rafaela focuses on in vivo research of how astrocytes contribute to the creation and operation of inhibitory synapses and their implications for the development and establishment of neurodevelopmental disorders, contributing to the ongoing research at the Synapse Biology group. Her academic background in biology and neurobiology provides a solid foundation for her work within the dynamic and collaborative environment of the research team. As a member of the Synapse Biology group, Rafaela looks forward to exploring the fascinating world of astrocyte-neuron interactions and making meaningful contributions to the field of neuroscience.