João Nuno Santos Coelho is a dedicated molecular biologist with a strong background in cell and molecular biology. He obtained his Licentiate in Biology with a focus on Microbiology and Genetics from the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon in 2005, followed by a Master's degree in Biology with a specialization in Molecular Biology and Genetics in 2007. His master's thesis explored the connection between the cytoskeleton, specifically prefoldin subunits, and transcriptional regulation under stress conditions in the model organism S. cerevisiae. In 2010, João embarked on a significant shift in his research focus, pursuing a Ph.D. in Veterinary Sciences with a specialty in Biological and Biomedical Sciences at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Lisbon. His doctoral work delved into characterizing a putative DNA topoisomerase II encoded by the African swine fever (ASF) virus. His findings held high importance for ASF research, proposing the inhibition of the viral type II topoisomerase as a potential strategy to impede viral replication and control the spread of this threatening disease in pig husbandry. Following a brief period outside academia, João took on a postdoctoral position, contributing to a genetic screen that identified mutations in the DNA helicase XPD. This experience allowed him to gain expertise in Drosophila lab routines, fly manipulation, and genetics. During his second postdoctoral experience he set out to investigate the role of topoisomerase II in mitotic chromosome formation. João's research journey includes roles as a lab manager at the Cell Biology of Tissue Morphogenesis laboratory at IGC since January 2022 and a postdoctoral fellow at the Chromosome Dynamics laboratory from November 2018 to January 2022. He also contributed to various research projects, such as ASFORCE (EU/FP7) and ChromoCellDev (ERC Starting Grant 2014). His technical and scientific skills encompass a wide range, from biological material maintenance to molecular/genetic manipulation techniques, microscopy, protein expression and purification, and bioinformatics. João has been actively involved in mentoring and tutoring activities, co-supervising Ph.D. and undergraduate students, as well as participating in various courses, workshops, and science communication events. Apart from his scientific endeavors, João pursued a post-graduation in Data Science in 2022 and acquired additional skills in Python and Java programming. He has also gained professional experience as a specialized sales representative in Frilabo, engaging with researchers and selling consumables and equipment for Life Sciences. João has shared his expertise through multiple publications in peer-reviewed journals, oral communications, and poster presentations at conferences. His commitment to both research and education underscores his passion for advancing scientific knowledge and fostering the development of future scientists.