Dr A. Rita Carrasco (f), is an Assistant Researcher at CIMA/ARNET - University of Algarve. RCarrasco holds a degree in Environmental Engineering (2003, University of Algarve), an MSc degree in Water and Coastal Management (2006, University of Algarve and University of Plymouth), a PhD in Marine, Earth, and Environmental Sciences, Coastal Dynamics Branch, Specializing in Geosciences (2012, University of Algarve). Currently, she is on the Coordination Board of CIMA, responsible for the scientific coordination of the objective ‘Assessing and Mitigating Global Risks’. She teaches at the Bachelor's and Master's levels at the University of Algarve, covering subjects related to climate change and coastal geochemistry. Her primary focus lies in coastal geomorphology, with a particular emphasis on investigating the intricate physical and ecological interplays within wetland ecosystems. During the pursuit of her doctoral thesis, she developed in-depth research on the physical processes governing sediment dynamics in estuarine environments. As part of her academic journey, she served as a visiting researcher at Delft UNESCO-IHE from 2015 to 2016, dedicating her efforts to exploring modelling solutions for the implementation of a coupled circulation-sediment transport model tailored to the unique characteristics of the Ria Formosa lagoon. Her current research is dedicated to understanding the biogeomorphic adaptations and resilience mechanisms of coastal wetlands in the face of climate change. She strives to understand how these ecosystems can provide essential functions despite environmental challenges. With a specific interest in salt marsh restoration strategies and the optimization of wetland-based solutions, her work contributes to the development of well-functioning ecosystems. Throughout her academic journey, she has fostered collaborative relationships with researchers from both national and international institutions, actively participating in more than 20 projects spanning diverse scientific domains. These projects cover a broad spectrum of topics, including beach morphodynamics, estuarine evolution, inlet dynamics, storm impacts, coastal modeling and management, biodiversity, and coastal conservation. Currently engaged in five research projects, she explores aspects such as natural hazards, coastal geomorphology, ecology, natural decarbonization in marsh habitats, and a LIFE Action Grant focused on ecosystem conservation. She is the coordinator of the TraceLands and C-Land projects, which focus on the ecogeomorphology of marshes and blue carbon sustainability. In her role as an investigator, she has published her research findings in two book chapters and 36 international journals, showcasing her contributions to top-tier publications in the field of earth sciences. (e.g. Sci. Rep., Earth-Sci. Rev., and Sci. Total Environ.) RCarrasco conducts interdisciplinary research with national and international teams, closely collaborating on knowledge transfer projects for the community, decision makers, and initiatives related to public policies. She is a member of the international EKLIPSE Expert Working Group on Nature-based Solutions and Empowerment tools (https://eklipse.eu/request-empowerus/). Additionally, she serves as Science Officer European Geosciences Union’s Geomorphology division on geomorphology (https://www.egu.eu/gm/structure/) and belongs to the European Geosciences Union’s Biodiversity Task Force (https://www.egu.eu/news/897/egu-announces-the-biodiversity-task-force-members/).