Carolina Duarte, Jacqueline Joosten, Alexandra Warkentin and Inês Oliveira join the ECHO– Ecotoxicology and Chemical Oceanography research group, led by Caio Cesar Ribeiro, bringing interests that span marine pollution, polar ecosystems, cold-water corals and science communication.
At CCMAR, the four team members will contribute to research and communication activities that help us understand how marine ecosystems respond to environmental pressures and share that knowledge with wider audiences.
Carolina Duarte joins ECHO with more than two years of experience in science communication as a marine educator at Oceanário de Lisboa. Environmental conservation has been a guiding interest throughout her work, and she will continue this path within the group, contributing to its activities investigating the effects of marine pollution across different ecosystems. Outside work, Carolina enjoys writing, travelling and textile arts, from sewing and embroidery to knitting.
Jacqueline Joosten will carry out her Master’s thesis on Antarctic phytoplankton communities, exploring how environmental changes affect polar marine ecosystems and their organisms. Having completed her Bachelor’s degree in Biology in Munich, she is now pursuing a Master’s in Marine Biology at the University of Algarve. Through her research, Jacqueline hopes to contribute to a better understanding of these changes and support the conservation of fragile Antarctic ecosystems.
Alexandra Warkentin, also known as Sasha, will develop her Master’s thesis under the supervision of Caio Cesar Ribeiro, focusing on the effects of deep-sea sediment on cold-water coral health. Her academic journey began in Biotechnology before she moved into Aquatic Biology, completing her Bachelor’s degree in Germany. In September 2025, she began her Master’s in Marine Biology at the University of Algarve. Alongside science, Alexandra enjoys painting, photography and exploring different forms of artistic expression.
Inês Oliveira will contribute to ECHO’s laboratory projects, with a particular focus on communicating the group’s research and activities to different audiences. Currently in the final year of her Master’s in Marine Biology, she brings more than three years of science communication experience at Pavilhão do Conhecimento and Oceanário de Lisboa. Beyond work, Inês is passionate about dance and enjoys concerts, crafts and trying new experiences.
Together, they bring scientific curiosity, creativity and experience in public engagement to ECHO, strengthening the links between marine research, environmental conservation and society.
Welcome to CCMAR and the ECHO team, Carolina, Jacqueline, Alexandra and Inês!
