I am a cancer researcher with over 16 years of experience in tumor microenvironment biology, immunotherapy, genetic editing, and targeted therapies. My research focuses on the development of gene editing & novel delivery systems, as well as dual-targeting strategies for rare pediatric solid tumors, particularly sarcomas. I am driven by a strong translational vision, aiming to convert molecular and cellular discoveries into actionable therapies that improve clinical outcomes. I hold a Degree and MSc in Pharmacy from the University of Coimbra. Early in my career, I was awarded a competitive fellowship to join Dr. Enrique de Álava’s group in Salamanca, which led to a subsequent PhD fellowship from the Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT). I completed my PhD in Molecular Biology of Cancer at the Cancer Research Center, Universidad de Salamanca, with a focus on Ewing sarcoma, before joining Dr. de Álava’s team in Seville as a postdoctoral researcher at the Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS). During this period, I also completed an MSc in Clinical Trials at the University of Seville, strengthening my ability to bridge experimental research and clinical application. My postdoctoral trajectory includes international experience at the Institute of Cancer Research (London) under Dr. Janet Shipley, where I developed 3D tumor models and optimized innovative invasion assays. I later joined the Tumor Microenvironment and Targeted Therapies group at CNC – Universidade de Coimbra, initially as a visiting researcher and subsequently as an auxiliary researcher. In 2024, I was awarded a Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowship (ERA Fellowship) to lead DSRCT-CAR), a project dedicated to advancing CAR-T strategies for desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) and other cold solid tumors. My recent work includes the generation of genetically engineered disease models, the study of tumor–stroma interactions, and the design of gene-editing-driven therapeutic approaches. Alongside securing independent funding, I have mentored MSc and PhD students, supporting their scientific development and fostering multidisciplinary collaboration with clinicians. My overarching goal is to translate innovative biological discoveries into effective therapeutic strategies for patients with rare pediatric malignancies.