I hold a degree in Applied Chemistry (2007) and a master's degree in Bioorganic Chemistry (2010), both from NOVA, which have provided me with a solid foundation in the field of chemistry. Before embarking on my PhD journey, I taught organic chemistry at Egas Moniz School of Health & Science and engaged in interdisciplinary research on Catostylus Tagi, a jellyfish species found in the Tagus River. The research on venom proteins allowed me to broaden my scientific horizons and explore the intersection between chemistry and biology and expand my skillset. These diverse experiences have shaped my research interests and prepared me to tackle complex scientific challenges with confidence. In 2015, I completed my PhD in Chemistry at NOVA. My work focused on the synthesis of polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) for drug delivery, where I develop skills in organic synthesis and in the preparation and characterization of nanomaterials. Results obtained in my PhD were published in peer-reviewed international journals, where I appear as both the first author and the corresponding author, demonstrating high levels of independence from the start. My achievements led to the Portuguese Young Chemists Award sponsored by Elsevier. After my PhD I moved to the Optical & Multifunctional Materials at IST and between 2015-2018, I conducted postdoctoral research aiming to complement my background with know-how and expertise in silica nanoparticles for theranostics. During this time, I was awarded an individual postdoctoral grant by FCT, and the L'Oréal Award for Women in Science prize designed to support and recognise outstanding young women scientists at the beginning of their research career. Since October 2018, I am a Junior Researcher at the Biospectroscopy and Interfaces Research Group in iBB - IST focusing on the design of smart silica nanomaterials. I was the PI of a LPCC/TERRY FOX grant funded project focused on smart silica nanomaterials for oncolytic therapy (15 k¿) and I am PI of an iBB internal research project to develop thermostable vaccines (11 k¿). Besides my academic activity, I have invested in educating and empowering young scientists as member and former treasurer of the European Young Chemists Network (young division of EuChemS). I also have been actively involved in teaching organic chemistry at the Polytechnic Institute of Lisbon and in science outreach activities, being interviewed on TV, radio and journals and in organising national conferences. Throughout my career, I have received several awards and honors that have recognized my contributions to the scientific community. Among these, the world's top 2% scientists list for single-year impact (2019), the CAS Future Leaders program (2020) and the 2019 IUPAC Periodic Table of Younger Chemists are particularly noteworthy, as they highlight my impact on the field of chemistry and my potential as a future leader in the field. I was selected to participate in the 71st Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting (2022, Lindau, Germany) and in the International Visitor Leadership Program (October 2019, USA), that reflects my potential to make significant contributions to the international scientific community. Recently, I won a Fulbright Grant, allowing me to collaborate with Prof. David Crich at the University of Georgia (USA), where I expanded my research and academic pursuits.