I'm an infectious disease research enthusiast with research background in Microbiology, Virology, Nanotechnology and Molecular Biology. I obtained my PhD in Biomedical Sciences (2020, New University of Lisbon), with the main goal of developing a faster, economical and less-invasive approach to diagnose Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PcP). PcP is a major HIV-related illness, rising among immunocompromised non-HIV patients, whose diagnosis still depends on invasive and expensive techniques (bronchofibroscopy followed by PCR or immunofluorescent staining of biological specimens). In this innovative project, we associated newly synthesized recombinant (multi-epitope) antigens of P. jirovecii with gold nanoparticles, to create a strip-based bionanodiagnostic platform for detection of specific anti-P. jirovecii antibodies in patients sera. With this approach, I intend to contribute to improving the management of this life-threatening disease, particularly in low-income and technology-deprived communities. This work was published in reputed peer-review journals and is protected by a national granted patent (PT109078). Since 2020, I moved to Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes (iMM), where I'm a Junior Post-Doctoral Researcher. During my postdoctoral studies, I have collaborated with national and international industrial and academic partners, contributing to the development of COVID-19 management strategies. These collaborations have contributed to closing the gap between academic research and industry, leading to the development of new marketable strategies with different applications: food industry, personal protective equipment and enviromental disinfection equipment. In 2022, I temporarily interrupted my research career for a maternity leave, but restarted it with an awarded exploratory project by FCT as co-principal investigator, where the focus is on the application of nanocoatings composed of antimicrobial peptides and silver nanostars (AMPs-AgNSs) in prosthetic devices. The aim of this project is to minimize the risk of prosthesis-related infections, promoting healthy lives and patient well-being. Currently I'm also involved in collaborative international projects for the development of new broad-spectrum antiviral strategies, and also in projects aiming new antimicrobial strategies. I'm strongly motivated to pursue a scientific career in which I will continue to promote biomedical research that provides valuable contributions to a better management of highly relevant infectious diseases.