Graduated in Biology with a major in biotechnology and a master’s degree (MSc) in Biodiversity and Biotechnology from the University of the Azores.

During my bachelor and master, I focused my studies in the field of biological control most of them involving the entomopathogenic nematodes, Steinernema carpocapsae and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora studying the virulence against different insect species and studying specific genes involved in the defense against infection by these nematodes in Drosophila melanogaster. Furthermore, I studied other biocontrol agents such as Trichogramma achea and its ability to effectively control the greenhouse pest, Tuta absoluta.
Currently working for CIBIO-InBIO, I developed an interest in vertebrates, namely the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and study its impact on the flora of São Miguel Island to evaluate possible damages on endemic species, introduced species as Cryptomeria japonica and possible impacts on pasture lands.