I am an assistant researcher at the Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon since 2023. With an extensive background in ecology, conservation biology, and machine learning, I am currently leading the Machine Learning in Ecology (MLE) group of the Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (CE3C) within the Global Change and Sustainability Institute (CHANGE). The MLE is a dynamic team of around 30 researchers focused on developing and applying innovative approaches to biodiversity research, often using invertebrates as model taxa. Through past positions I accumulated a wealth of research experience, including a decade-long tenure as curator at the Finnish Museum of Natural History (2012-2023) and significant postdoctoral roles in Denmark, Portugal and the USA. My academic journey is underscored by a habilitation in ecology (University of Helsinki) and a PhD in Biology, specializing in ecology and biosystematics (University of Lisbon). During my career, I published 239 papers in refereed journals, including several in Science, PNAS, Nature Ecology & Evolution, TREE, Biological Reviews, Global Change Biology, among others. I also co-authored eight books, and released several software packages, web portals and open databases used by researchers and stakeholders across the world. I have been instrumental in mentoring numerous researchers and students, supervising nine postdocs (including two Marie Sklodowska-Curie fellows), 11 PhD students, and numerous MSc and BSc students. My dedication to teaching is reflected in my involvement in developing and delivering courses in ecology, statistics, and machine learning for ecologists, ranging from BSc to PhD levels. Despite never holding a position as a professor, these were always done on a voluntary basis, given the importance I attribute to teaching and learning from the next generation of researchers. My roles extend beyond academia. As the founder and former chair of the IUCN SSC Spider & Scorpion specialist group, I played a pivotal role in promoting conservation efforts for these often-overlooked animals. From red listing to conservation planning, and from methodological developments to knowledge transfer to stakeholders, my involvement with IUCN was both deep and rewarding. Additionally, my commitment to outreach and public engagement includes authoring photography books and contributing to popular media, bringing the wonders of biodiversity to wider audiences.