Over the course of my 13-year scientific career as an immunologist, my research has been devoted to studying the development of the thymus, which plays a key role in the generation of functional self-tolerant T cells. My journey began in 2012 as a master student in the research group led by Dr. Nuno Alves (IBMC, Porto), supported by a research fellowship (FCT: BI-PTDC/SAU-IMU/110116/2009). In 2013, I was awarded a Ph.D. scholarship through a competitive call from FCT (FCT-SFRH/BD/86605/2012). My Ph.D. thesis focused on uncovering new molecular mechanisms underlying the function of the thymus in both steady and regenerative conditions. After completing my Ph.D. in 2018, I was invited to continue my career as a post-doctoral researcher at i3S (Porto). In 2020, I secured a 6-year contract for an independent research position in a competitive national call from FCT (CEECIND/00267/2018). Since then, I have been implementing my independent research lines that are centred on Thymic Epithelial Cells (TEC) development and their role in T cell selection, with the goal of establishing my research group. My studies have provided major advances in the field of TEC biology, T cell development, and immune tolerance, resulting in 13 articles published in prominent journals in the field of immunology (Autophagy, Blood, Journal of Immunology, European Journal of Immunology, and Trends in Immunology). Apart from my scientific productivity, I have recently secured my first research grant as Principal Investigator (FCT) and another as co-principal investigator (FCT). Over the last few years, I have mentored and trained 1 post-doctoral researcher, 1 Ph.D. student, 3 M.Sc. students and 3 B.Sc. students. Lastly, I have been presenting my work at international and national meetings and have received solicitations to act as a reviewer for several research journals.