Silva, A.

Biography

Ana Lúcia Santos Silva completed her PhD in Biology and Ecology of Global Changes in 2021 from the University of Aveiro, a master’s degree in Applied Ecology in 2008 from the University of Porto, and a degree in Applied Biology in 2004 from the University of Minho. As coordinator of the Environmental Education Unit of the Portuguese Wildlife Society, she developed and coordinated several projects, including the action research project “CarryOn – Ecosystem services and their role in support processes for victims of domestic violence”, which demonstrated the significant role of NBIs in enhancing well-being, especially among vulnerable populations, by connecting them with nature and fostering pro-environmental behaviors. This transdisciplinary framework, where environmental and social dimensions intersect, has continued to inform her work, guiding the development of innovative, inclusive practices that simultaneously promote human well-being and nature conservation. After concluding her PhD, she continued develop this innovative and collaborative framework, integrating research projects that studied social issues like migration, violence against women and domestic violence through an intersectional perspective, also exploring the role of nature on human well-being and as a resource in social intervention. At the Psychology Research Center (CIPsi) of the School of Psychology of the University of Minho, she was a post-doctoral researcher in the projects “Effects of the Covid-19 Pandemic on NPT Women and Girls: An Intersectional Approach”, and “Exploring Intersectionality of Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence: Needs, Impact and Services Effectiveness”, funded by the La Caixa Foundation. Parallel to research, she has been acquiring knowledge and skills that allow her to intervene in several dimensions of human well-being – physical, psychological and social –, and to have a more informed perspective of areas as governance, trauma and victims’ support. She also worked directly in social intervention and support. At Archdiocesan Caritas of Braga she worked has senior project implementation technician of the Project MakeBraga CLDS-4G, Local Contract of Social Development project, and as coordinator of the Temporary Reception Structure for Migrants. These experiences have enriched her research, providing valuable practical insight into the implementation of interventions and the challenges faced by vulnerable populations and professionals supporting them. This integrated approach has also allowed her to bridge the gap between theory and practice, fostering a more nuanced and effective application of her research findings. Her work consistently emphasizes a transdisciplinary and intersectional approach that bridges different fields of knowledge, broadening their scope and potential to tackle complex social and environmental challenges.