I am a biologist (FCUL, 2005) with a Doctorate in Forest Engineering and Natural Resources (ISA ULisboa, 2013). My work focuses on river connectivity, ecological restoration, and sustainable land use practices. I have contributed to 64 peer-reviewed articles and 45 conference proceedings, demonstrating strong research visibility. My publications have a 1.58 Field-Weighted Citation Impact (58% above the field average), with 86.2% cited and 85% published in Q1 journals (SJR ranking). Notably, 23.1% of my articles rank in the top 10% citation percentile, and two are among the top 1% most cited globally. I actively contribute to the scientific community through 12 editorial roles, reviews for 44 indexed journals, and the organization of 25 conferences and workshops. I have delivered 139 oral presentations, including 28 invited lectures, further disseminating my research at national and international levels. As Principal Investigator of the Dammed Fish project, I lead efforts to improve river connectivity across Europe, aligning with key conservation priorities. Additionally, my involvement in AQADAPT and MERLIN supports climate adaptation and the integration of ecological restoration with economic sustainability. I also coordinate the RivEco research group at the Forest Research Centre (CEF), overseeing a multidisciplinary team. My contributions extend beyond research into computational tool development for conservation planning. I co-developed RivTool, used in more than 70 countries, and the recently released RivConnect, the first tool to integrate connectivity metrics with movement directionality along river networks. I have also contributed to eight major databases supporting freshwater management. Academic Leadership and Teaching Since 2015, I have been a faculty member at ISA-ULisboa, designing and teaching 17 curricular units across undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate programs. I have also coordinated three postgraduate courses and contributed to two others, further shaping education in ecology and environmental management. I have been deeply committed to scientific mentorship, ecological research, and pedagogical innovation. As a supervisor, I have guided/guide seven PhD students, eight MSc students, sixteen BSc students, and ten research fellows, fostering research on ecological restoration, aquatic ecosystems, and biodiversity conservation. Institutional Leadership As Executive Director of the Associate Laboratory TERRA since 2023, I lead a network of over 400 researchers dedicated to sustainability in land use. In this role, I define the laboratory’s vision, oversee research programs, foster collaborations, and ensure that our findings inform both scientific communities and public policy. Additionally, as President of TERRA’s Scientific Council, I contribute to defining the laboratory’s structure, strategy, and research priorities. I also play a broader role in shaping the scientific direction of the Instituto Superior de Agronomia (ISA) as a member of its Scientific Council. Awards and Recognition Recognized with 12 research awards, including four consecutive honourable mentions from the University of Lisbon (2020-2023) for the quality and impact of my scientific publications, I remain committed to advancing biodiversity conservation, sustainable land use, and ecological restoration through leadership, research, and collaboration. Additionally, my research has been cited in 30 policy documents, influencing over 500 policy papers and reinforcing the role of science in environmental decision-making.