João Afonso is a PhD student in Health Sciences, with a BSc in Biochemistry (2018) and a MSc in Health Sciences (2021) from University of Minho. During his scientific path, he contributed to several projects in central nervous system regeneration, macrophage and stem cell biology, cell and secretome therapy, and hydrogels. Currently under the supervision of António Salgado and Nuno Silva, João studies cell-based strategies to enhance revascularization after spinal cord injury. His PhD project integrates central nervous system endothelial cells and mesenchymal stem cells, derived from induced pluripotent stem cells, within a biocompatible hydrogel to promote recovery after injury. For that, João established a collaboration with Ethan Lippmann from Vanderbilt University, where he stayed for 12 months, studying how these cells interact in different paradigms. Using immunofluorescence, cell culture and molecular biology techniques, João acquired experience in the design and execution of different assays, with a primary emphasis on vascularization, neural regeneration and cell modulation processes. Viewing each day as an opportunity to learn, he aims to contribute to the advancement of the spinal cord injury field.