I current the responsible of the Genomics and Sequencing Services, overseeing a laboratory equipped with cutting-edge short-read and long-read sequencing platforms. Our advanced technologies support applications from targeted gene analysis to whole-genome sequencing, enabling high-throughput and high-accuracy genomic research. I am also a researcher at iXLab – Innovation for National Biological Resilience, a joint initiative of the Faculty of Sciences at the University of Lisbon and the Portuguese Army. iXLab focuses on detecting, identifying, and mitigating biological threats, contributing to risk management strategies that safeguard public health, the economy, and national security. Within this framework, I am part of the Biological Resilience Research Group at CE3C – Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, where I study microbial threats, environmental resilience, and biosecurity. My work at iXLab involves developing molecular tools for detecting pathogenic microorganisms across Biosafety Levels 1 to 4. I specialize in identifying and quantifying high-risk zoonotic and emerging pathogens, including Dengue, Mpox, Brucellosis, Zika, West Nile Virus, Hantavirus, Coxiella burnetii, Rickettsia spp., Bacillus anthracis, Yersinia pestis, Francisella tularensis, Ebola virus, Marburg virus, and Lassa virus. Using real-time PCR and isothermal amplification, we ensure rapid, sensitive pathogen detection. Additionally, I assess the role of vectors—including insects and ticks—in disease transmission through targeted molecular markers. Previously, I was an Associate Scientist at the Food Safety & Microbiology Lab at iBET, where I worked on virome characterization in food matrices (fish, water, shellfish, and red fruits), antibiotic-resistant bacteria in wastewater treatment plants, and innovative molecular tools for assessing recycled water safety. I was Principal Investigator of the AgriWWater project (FEDER/FCT-funded), which focused on mitigating microbiological risks in reclaimed wastewater for agricultural irrigation. I also led VirusFreeWater, integrating molecular techniques with nanofiltration technologies for safer irrigation water, and ZooViralFinder, which applied metagenomics to zoonotic virus surveillance. Before iBET, I spent a decade at the Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa, where I earned my PhD in Biomedical Sciences (Microbiology). My research focused on tickborne diseases, particularly Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. detection in ticks and clinical samples from Portuguese hospitals. I optimized molecular protocols such as PCR, real-time PCR, and LAMP for pathogen identification. My academic achievements were recognized with the Professor Doctor Manuel Pinto Prize for the top PhD student in microbiology. I have coordinated multidisciplinary teams, supervised MSc and PhD students, and established international collaborations in tickborne and foodborne disease research with groups in the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, and Spain. To date, I have published 41 peer-reviewed articles (h-index: 21) and presented over 60 communications at conferences. Additionally, I have mentored students, including Erasmus+ participants, and have served as principal opponent in MSc dissertation defenses in molecular biology, epidemiology, and zoonotic diseases. I actively contribute to the scientific community as a peer reviewer for several journals, including those published by MDPI, Elsevier, Springer, and Wiley. I regularly evaluate manuscripts in microbiology, molecular biology, epidemiology, and biosecurity. Additionally, I have served as a jury member for research project evaluations, participating in the selection process and ensuring the funding of high-impact, high-quality research.