Maria Moura graduated with a bachelor's degree in Biochemistry from the University of Minho in 2021, where she explored neuronal communication in spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 for her BSc project. She then pursued a master's degree in Molecular Genetics, focusing on spinal cord injury's impact on sympathetic postganglionic neurons. She gained expertise in molecular biology and imaging techniques during her research, including microscopy imaging and viral neuronal tracing in the spleen and measurement of splenic norepinephrine levels. Maria completed advanced courses in proteomics and laboratory animal science, obtaining authorization for animal experimentation. She participated in mentorship programs and is now a research fellow on a project developing a wireless neural guidance device for spinal cord injury repair. She is first-author of a review article about the disruption of autonomic pathways in spinal cord injury and its implications of the immune regulation. She is also first-author of a pre-print regarding the anatomical characterization of the splenic innervation and presented posters at 3 international conferences. Maria is active in science outreach activities, including organizing scientific events and engaging with high school students about spinal cord injury pathology. She has also mentored several students including 1 BSc student, 2 medical students and 4 MSc students.