Graduated in Biology/Biomedicine, in 2009 and MSc in biomedical sciences in 2009, both from the University of Algarve (Faro, Portugal). She participated in 3 R&D national projects (SEABIOMED, XtremeBio and XtremeGourmet) as a research technician, and in 2019 completed the PhD in Marine, Earth and Environmental Sciences (branch of biological sciences, speciality in biotechnology). She also participate as team member in other 4 R&D projects: MaNaCruzi (bilateral project Portugal-Brazil) looking for marine origin molecules against Trypanosoma cruzi, national project “GreenVet” for unravelling the potential of marine halophyte plants as sources of innovative products with veterinary uses), “SaltyCrops” (bilateral project Portugal-Israel) for exploring Sarcocornia as a halophyte biofilter for mariculture effluents and a source for lucrative foods and speciality biochemicals, and European PRIMA project “HaLoFarMs” for the development and optimization of halophyte-based farming systems in salt-affected Mediterranean soils.
She was involved in the assessment of biochemical properties, including relevant in vitro bioactivities (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, neuroprotective) and nutritional profile of macro-/micro-algae, seagrasses, marine invertebrates and halophytes (main target). Conducted work also included the greenhouse production of selected halophytes under saline and non-saline conditions, and the assessment of cultivation conditions on the biochemical properties of obtained biomass. Since January 1st, 2020, She is working as a junior researcher in the “ExtremeAquaCrops” project (national fund “Fundo Azul”), which aims at the implementation of an IMTA system for marine fish and hydroponic extremophile medicinal halophytes production. Results contributed to increasing knowledge on natural products from those plants and disclosed the possibility of commercial exploitation of some species as food gourmet products, beverages, cosmetic and nutraceutical ingredients.
During this period, she contributed for the publication of 54 scientific articles in refereed international scientific journals, and participated in national and/or international conferences (7 oral and 16 poster).