I have always been passionate about chemistry, as I believe this is the fundamental science that explains how the world works. In 2023, I completed my Ph.D. in Chemistry, with a focus on Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, from the University of Lisbon’s Instituto Superior Técnico, with the distinction of "Approved with Distinction and Praise." My doctoral research concentrated on synthesizing and characterizing metal complexes with 8-hydroxyquinoline derivatives for potential therapeutic applications. This line of work builds on my MSc in Chemistry, also obtained from the Instituto Superior Técnico in 2016, where I examined copper and zinc complexes with potential biological effects. I also hold a BSc in Applied Chemistry with a specialization in Organic Chemistry, completed at Universidade Nova de Lisboa in 2002. I have participated in a multi-institutional project funded by the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) on chemical equilibria and thermodynamics (NECTAR). Over the years, I have contributed to 20 peer-reviewed publications exploring metal-based anticancer agents, fluorescence spectroscopy, and chemical thermodynamics. I believe that science must be shared and presented my findings at numerous conferences, including posters (with a Best Poster Award at ISMEC 2018) and oral communications. These moments granted me the recognition of the community and my expertise is sought for peer-review, contributing to journals like BioMetals, Pharmaceuticals, and Inorganics. After spending some years in the pharmaceutical/medicine related fields, I have decided to tackle a different path, aiming to bring a more sustainable way of management of the agri-food residues. Currently, I serve as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, where I am a co-principal investigator for INTACTBIOPACK project and a fellow in the AgriLoop initiative. Both projects relate to the valorisation of underexplored raw materials, the first by the development of microbiome-based active packaging for typical foods across the Mediterranean area. Agriloop on the other hand, aims to provide a cascading approach for the total valorisation of the agri-food residues, focusing on returning new and improved materials to the agricultural sector. Beyond laboratory and academic contributions, I engage actively in science communication and community education. I helped to organize events promoting scientific literacy, such as a bio-economy-focused festival in 2024 at ITQB NOVA and participated in the European Researchers' Night to share insights into sustainable chemistry with the public. In the future I hope to continue a fruitful scientific career, focusing on circularity and sustainability. Using a circular bio-economy approach, I hope to contribute to the generation of chemical/biochemical paths for the modification of biomass wastes, obtaining viable alternative materials to petroleum-based plastics.