I graduated with a degree in Biology from the University of Lisbon in 2014, where I received a comprehensive and multidisciplinary scientific education. During my undergraduate studies, I was awarded a two-month FCT Research Grant to participate in the project “The role of new genes inthe formation of unique adaptive traits” at the Gulbenkian Institute of Science in Oeiras in 2013. After completing my studies, I had the opportunityof gaining experience working and I decided to move to Alentejo in 2016 to dedicate myself to farming. I spent several years managing Monte

Guarda-Rios, an organic farm based in Ferreira do Alentejo. My responsibilities included improving the productivity of an 18-hectare organic olive grove, implementing a rotational grazing system with a flock of sheep, and managing a 180-hectare holm oak montado. This hands-on experienceallowed me to develop essential skills such as resilience, problem-solving, and a deep understanding of agroecosystem dynamics.In 2017, my growing interest in the ecological and environmental dynamics of the montado ecosystem led me to pursue a Master’s degree in Forest Engineering at the University of Évora. My dissertation was entitled “Contribution to the study of holm oak stand dynamics,” and the research followed an integrative approach to investigate stand structure and natural regeneration.I joined the Pastagens Regenerativas project at ESDIME, where I facilitated working groups, engaged directly with farmers, and contributed to science communication through blogging and podcasting. We studied innovative solutions for climate adaptation through the regeneration of extensive livestock systems in areas at high risk of environmental desertification, such as the south of the Iberian Peninsula. I continued to work at the farm Monte Guarda-rios until 2024. However, at the end of 2024, with a long-standing ambition to pursue a career in scientific research and I started to apply for positions that aligned with my career goals. I am currently a Research Technician at the University of Évora working in the project LIFE20 NAT/ES/001487 “Increasing the impact of Olivares Vivos in the EU”. I enrolled in the PhD program in Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and I will start a FCT PhD Scholarship in April of 2026.