I’m Joana Lage (1988) and I obtained my degree in Environmental Health from Lisbon School of Health Technology (ESTeSL) (2010) and a Master’s in Environmental Engineering from Lusófona University of Lisbon (LUL) (2013). I completed my PhD in Environmental Sciences at Delft University of Technology (2016), where I developed an independent research line on integrated approaches to assess industrial environmental impacts on air quality. My doctoral stage was marked by significant autonomy, managing intensive field and laboratory work, GIS modelling, and collaborations across 9 countries. Throughout my career, I prioritized continuous skill acquisition, having completed 35 specialized trainings. Following my PhD, I consolidated my leadership skills during my post-doctoral research, where I played an active role in the technical-scientific development and communication management of European projects. My expertise spans a vast research areas, from pilot zones’ characterization, atmospheric pollutant dispersion models, climate changes (energy and environmental performance), development of decision support tools to a low carbon economy transition, human exposure assessment (I/O environments), sensing systems’ development, project’s communication manager, responsible for mid-term/progress reports, project’s data collection coordination. This versatility is currently evidenced by my role as Principal Investigator (PI) in funded projects. My scientific merit is supported by 10 competitive awards, including 9 international travel/course grants and a best oral presentation award. These distinctions reflect my research quality and ability to communicate complex data. My international standing is evidenced by roles as Guest and Review Editor, and frequent reviewer for 11 Web of Science journals. My academic contribution is equally robust. Since 2016, I have been an invited professor at LUL and ESTeSL, managing 6 curricular units. I also lead institutional sustainability as LUL’s Eco-School coordinator. Committed to pedagogical excellence, I completed 21 specialized teaching trainings. I possess the unique combination of technical skills (UAVs, sensors, modelling) and management experience (PI of funded projects) required to successfully execute the proposed research plan, reflecting a trajectory of continuous growth toward full scientific independence, as expected of an assistant researcher. My trajectory mirrors a researcher who has evolved from technical excellence to scientific leadership, with a clear focus on the intersection of environmental monitoring, sustainability, and public health.