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Biography
I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from the University of Beira Interior in Portugal in 2005. Following that, I was honored with a pre-doctoral fellowship for a duration of 30 months (POCI/SAU-NEU/55380/2004) in 2006. During this period, I received specialized training in molecular and cell biology, and some of the work I conducted during this fellowship was integrated into my Master's thesis in Biochemistry, completed in 2008.
In 2014, I successfully defended my PhD in Neurosciences at the Netherlands Institute for Neurosciences (NIN) located in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Following my doctoral studies, I made a significant move to the Erasmus University Medical Centre (EMC) in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, where I embarked on a post-doctoral position in Dr. Erik Lubberts Lab, in collaboration with Prof. Björn Claussen. During this period, I acquired valuable skills and expertise in the field of immunology.
In 2016, I returned to the realm of retinal research, leveraging my newfound knowledge in immunology. At the Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) in Leiden, The Netherlands, I dedicated myself to characterizing CRB1-rodent models and CRB1-patient induced pluripotent stem cell derived retinal organoids. Additionally, I designed and conducted experiments involving AAV-mediated gene therapies, aimed at addressing CRB1-hereditary retinopathies.
In 2019, I achieved a significant milestone by securing a position through the Call to Scientific Employment Stimulus - 2017 (CEEC2017-IND), which granted me a junior researcher role. This prompted my relocation to the Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) in Coimbra, Portugal. Notably, in 2023, I was awarded another position through the Call to Scientific Employment Stimulus – 5th edition, this time at the assistant research level. Later in 2023, I secure a fix-term position as assistant researcher in the University of Coimbra.
My academic achievements are underscored by a prolific publication record. I have authored 31 papers in esteemed international peer-reviewed journals, in addition to contributing 1 editorial and 6 book chapters to international publications. These works have garnered over 1236 citations, resulting in an h-index of 18 on Scopus as of February 2025. Among my publications, I have served as the last author in four instances, the second last author in four, the first author in 12, and the second author in six. Several of these manuscripts have been featured in high-impact factor journals across various fields, including Ophthalmology, Human Genetics, Stem Cells, and Neurosciences. Notable journals include Prog Retin Eye Res, PLoS Genet, PLoS Biol, J Neurosci, Acta Neuropathol Commun, Hum Mol Gen, and Stem Cell Rep.
My early career accomplishments extend beyond the realm of publications. I have presented my work at international congresses, with five abstracts selected for oral presentation. Moreover, I have been invited to deliver presentations at both national and international meetings on seven occasions. My contributions have been recognized through the receipt of four international travel grants. Notably, I was honored with the Donders prize in 2016 for delivering the best PhD thesis in the field of ophthalmology in the Netherlands, and I received the Antioxidants 2020 Outstanding Review Award from the Antioxidants Journal for excellence in manuscript review.
I actively contribute to the academic community by serving as a reviewer for several prestigious international journals, including Autophagy, Transl Neurodegener, Acta Biomater, FASEB J, PLoS ONE, Sci Rep, Cells, IJMS, Antioxidants, Biology, and Life. My dedication to peer review is further exemplified by my membership on the Antioxidants (MDPI) reviewer board, and I have recently served as a guest editor for a special issue titled “Oxidative Stress in Neurodegeneration and Neuroinflammation” in the same journal.
My commitment to advancing research is reflected in my success in securing competitive funding, totaling approximately €647k. This funding includes grants where I served as the Principal Investigator (€75k) and as a Co-Principal Investigator (€576k). In addition, I have contributed around €520k as human resources to support various research initiatives.
I have also played a pivotal role in mentoring the next generation of researchers. I have supervised 2 MSc students and provided guidance to 14 undergraduate trainees. My expertise has been sought after, leading to invitations as a lecturer in postgraduate courses, including the Doctoral Programme in Health Sciences and the Master in Biomedical Research and Molecular and Translational Neuroscience at the University of Coimbra.
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Funding (10)
2022.00041.CEECIND
LA/P/0058/2020
NA