I am a plant microbiologist with a PhD in Biology specializing in plant–microbe interactions, microbial ecology, and functional genomics. My research focuses on the diversity, evolutionary relationships, and functional traits of bacterial endophytes and rhizobia associated with wild legume species from arid and semi-arid ecosystems. Through extensive field sampling, isolation of root nodule–associated bacteria, and phylogenetic and genomic analyses, I contributed to uncovering the taxonomic diversity of rhizobial and non-rhizobial endophytes, including the description of a novel taxon. By integrating culture-dependent approaches, I was able to investigate the potential effects of microbial communities on noduledevelopment, nitrogen fixation efficiency, and plant tolerance to environmental stresses such as salinity, drought, and heat.

Currently a Postdoctoral researcher and a Scientific Collaborator at the Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development (MED) from the University of Évora, I’ve been member of different interdisciplinary projects addressing the diversity of microbiome assemblies in both plants and fungi (Truffles). Within these collaborative frameworks, I contribute to the exploratory research work done using molecular biology and metagenomics to reveal the diversity of the microbiome. 

In Portugal, as well as in Tunisia, I have been involved in research on bacteria associated with desert truffles and other arid-environment plants (halophytes), exploring their taxonomic diversity, genomic traits, and plant growth–promoting potential. This work expands my expertise toward fungal–bacterial interactions and soil microbial ecology in extreme environments.Presenting a Scopus h-index of 4, I have authorship of peer-reviewed publications in microbial systematics, symbiotic nitrogen fixation, and stress-mitigating microbial consortia, along with active participation in international conferences. My long-term goal is to contribute to the development of eco-friendly management strategies that enhance biological nitrogen fixation, improve soil fertility, and promote climate-resilient agricultural systems.