I was born in Lisbon, Portugal, and raised in a small town on the Portuguese-Spanish border. Because of this, I am fluent in both Portuguese and Spanish.

I completed a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering (2002/2006), a master's degree in Ecological Engineering (2006/2010), and a PhD in Environmental Studies (2011/2015), focused on marine litter, microplastics and ecotoxicology. All degrees were conducted at the Faculty of Sciences and Technology of Universidade Nova de Lisboa (FCT-UNL). The master’s and doctorate work was completed under the supervision of Prof. Paula Sobral.

During the master's degree, I enrolled for one semester in the Transboundary Water Management Master Programme at the Radboud Universiteit Nijmegen, Netherlands, as part of the Erasmus programme. During my doctoral degree, I enrolled at Plymouth University, United Kingdom, to conduct training on biochemical biomarkers and histology under the co-supervision of Prof. Richard Thompson.

My research focuses on marine litter and microplastics, and more recently on biodiversity loss and climate change. I have been working on these topics since 2008. I have worked on projects such as POIZON (FCT UNL), Azorlit (MARE IMAR DOP), and BASEMAN and MicroplastiX (both JPI Oceans). Currently, I am working on the Waves of Change project, funded by the Irish Marine Institute.

I was awarded the prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions COFUND Collaborative Research Fellowships for a Responsive and Innovative Europe (CAROLINE), for the IMP.act project - Managing for Microplastics: A baseline to inform policy stakeholders.

I am also a member of the Marie Curie Alumni Association and of the American Association for the Advancement of Science since 2018, and a member of SETAC Europe since 2019.

In Portugal, I am the co-founder of the Portuguese Marine Litter Association (APLM), a non-profit, non-governmental organisation that liaises the creation of the Portuguese Partnership on Marine Litter, as part of the vision signed at the Honolulu Declaration in 2011, and the 2012 United Nations Manila Declaration. This organisation exists since 2013. In 2022, under the initiative of the UN Ocean Decade, this organisation established the Portuguese Speaking Country Cleanup Day, to be celebrated every year around November 18.

I have been involved in many volunteering activities, from outreach and awareness campaigns and beach cleanups to acting and theatre performance in Germany, Ireland, United Kingdom, Spain and Portugal. 

Professional experience

(2022 - present) Atlantic Technological University. Post-doctoral researcher. Galway, Ireland. Lead project manager (Principal Investigator) in the Waves of Change project. Carbon footprint audits. Science communication. Outreach and awareness dissemination activities. Behavioural change

(2023) Environmental Sciences Association of Ireland. Scientific Committee reviewer. Donegal, Ireland.

(2022 - 2023). Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board. Project evaluator. Galway, Ireland. In-depth review of the Aquaculture Special Purpose Award in Fish Farm Techniques, including the mobile app and the Virtual Reality educational tool

(2022-2023) European Commission. Expert evaluator for H2020-FNR-2020-1-101000612-In-No-Plastic-RP1 European Research Executive Authority. Read, assess and evaluate project progress, including all deliverables and milestones. Attend meetings with REA and consortium

(2022) European Commission. Expert proposal evaluator for the Call Second stage Horizon-CL6-2022-BIODIV-02-two-stage - Horizon-IA Innovation action. Ireland/Belgium/On-line. Read and evaluate project proposals. Attend expert evaluation panels

(2020 - 2022) GMIT. Post-doctoral researcher. Galway, Ireland. Lead project manager (Principal Investigator) in the MicroplastiX project. Sampling and processing weathered microplastics. Outreach and awareness dissemination activities. Integration of data. Guest speaker at national events

(2020) GMIT. Project manager. Galway, Ireland. Project management and supervision of the work to a report commission by Seas At Risk, whose title is “Microplastics in the Marine Environment: Sources, Impacts & Recommendations”

(2018 - 2020) GMIT. Post-doctoral researcher. Galway, Ireland. Lead project manager (Principal Investigator) in the IMP.act project. Sampling and processing sediment, water and biota samples from Galway Bay. Outreach and awareness dissemination activities. Integration of data. Guest speaker at national events

(2019 - present) Microplastic expert for European Environmental Citizens' Organisation for Standardisation (ECOS). Ireland/Belgium/On-line. Read and revise ISO and CEN/CENELEC documents. Attend international stakeholder meetings

(2019 - 2021) Frontiers in Environmental Science. Guest associate editor.  Ireland/On-line. Editor in the special issue Microplastics in the Marine Environment: Sources, Distribution, Biological Effects and Socio-Economic Impacts. Read, revise and assign reviewers to submitted manuscripts

(2019 - 2020) European Commission. Expert proposal evaluator for the Call H2020‑BG/FNR/RUR/SFS-2020-1 | CE-FNR-09-2020 Pilot action for the removal of marine plastics and litter - IA Innovation action. Ireland/Belgium/On-line. Read and evaluate project proposals. Attend expert evaluation panels

(2020) Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek - Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research.Expert proposal evaluator. Ireland/On-line. Read and evaluate project proposals

(2019). GMIT. Researcher. Chief scientist Marine Institute Shiptime Programme: Research/Teaching (CV19003 - 2nd-6th February). Secured funding: €40,000 from the Marine Institute. Research Survey: Microplastics in Galway Bay. On board of the Irish RV Celtic Voyager

(2018) Expert proposal evaluator for the Government of Portugal, General Directorate for Maritime Policy - Direção Geral de Políticas do Mar. Read and evaluate project proposals

(2017-2018) GMIT. Project manager | work package leader JPI Oceans BASEMAN WP4. Sampling, processing and quantifying microplastics from water, sediment and biota samples. Validation and harmonisation of analytical methods. Reporting to project managers. Co-author of reports and peer-reviewed publications. Attend regular partner meetings with wider JPI Oceans BASEMAN consortium. Guest speaker at national and international events

(2017) GMIT. Chief scientist. Marine Institute Shiptime Programme: Research/Teaching (CV17039 - 4th–10th December). Secured funding: €56,000 from the Marine Institute. Research Survey: Microplastics in Galway Bay. On board of the Irish RV Celtic Voyager

(2017) BASEMAN WP4 Microplastic sampling comparison cruise (BASEXPEMIPS 201704 - 17th-24th April). Researcher on board the Spanish RV Ramón Margalef, off the coast of Galicia (NW Spain).

(2015-2016) IMAR MARE DOP UAçores. Research project assistant. Horta, Faial, Portugal. Description: Data field sampling collection in 8 out of 9 islands of the Azorean archipelago. Conducting monthly beach sampling surveys and campaigns. Conducting necropsies to marine birds (Cory’s shearwaters), marine turtles (Loggerhead turtles); cetaceans (Common dolphin) and several fish species with commercial and/or ecological interest in the archipelago. Engaging with Nature Vigilantes in order to promote partnerships among the islands. Creating educational materials for local exhibitions in museums and aquariums; Giving talks in schools; Writing and reviewing scientific papers and reports.

(2015) Government of Chile, Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service of the Chilean Navy - Servicio Hidrográfico y Oceanográfico de la Armada de Chile. Expert research proposal evaluator. Read and evaluate project proposals

(2015) NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM. Visitor Engagement Assistant. London, United Kingdom. Liaising and engaging with visitors. Providing excellent customer service. Assisting participants with appropriate information relevant to their specific needs. Reporting to Duty managers

(2015) BARBICAN. Barbican Ambassador. London, United Kingdom. Description: Community engagement. Promotion of events. Carry out surveys and evaluations at events. Assisting participants with appropriate information relevant to their specific needs. Reporting to Marketing and Duty managers

(2015) WELLCOME COLLECTION. Visitor Engagement Assistant. London, United Kingdom. Liaising and engaging with visitors. Providing excellent customer service. Conducting tour guides. Reporting to Duty managers. Fire marshal duties.

(2008-2009/2010-2015) MARINE AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES CENTRE (MARE) NOVA FCT-UNL. Junior researcher. Caparica, Portugal. Sampling and data collection. Conducting ecotoxicological bioassays with live organisms. Operating µ-FTIR spectrophotometer and microplate reader (biochemical biomarkers). Writing and reviewing scientific research papers and reports. Conference organizing and management of stakeholder meetings.

(2013-present) ASSOCIAÇÃO PORTUGUESA DO LIXO MARINHO (APLM). Co-founder of APLM. Caparica, Portugal. Co-founder of the non-profit non-governmental organisation APLM. Scientific adviser for marine litter. International stakeholder engagement. International coordination manager with NGO’s in USA, Germany and Portuguese Speaking Countries Community in Africa and Asia.Beach clean-up organiser. Community/Social network administrator. Writing and reviewing scientific papers and reports. Conference co-organiser. Budget manager

(2009-2010) MUSEU DA ELECTRICIDADE – FUNDAÇÃO EDP. Museum tour guide. Lisboa, Portugal. Description: Meet and greet staff. Provide excellent customer service while liaising and engaging with visitors. Provide guided tours on the Electricity Museum (Central Tejo) to elementary, basic and secondary schools, universities, families or other groups. Body language and speech adaptation to target audience. Database management and activity planning. Academic internship.

Grants and projects

(2023) Higher Education 4.0. Delivery of a Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), using advanced technological tools, which is freely online for anyone to enrol on the topic of Ocean Pollution. Secured funding: €16,000

(2019-2022) Integrated approach on the fate of microplastics towards healthy marine ecosystems (MicroplastiX). Funded by JPI Oceans, the Irish Marine Institute and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH), developed and carried out at the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT). Project reference: PBA/PL/20/02

(2018-2021) Managing for microplastics: a baseline to inform policy stakeholders (IMP.act). Funded by the Irish Research Council – Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions COFUND Collaborative Research Fellowships for a Responsive and Innovative Europe (CAROLINE) Fellowship Programme, developed and carried out at the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT). Project reference: CLNE/2018/524

(2017-2018) Defining the baselines and standards for microplastic analyses in European waters (BASEMAN). Funded by the Joint Programming Initiative Healthy and Productive Seas and Oceans (JPI OCEANS), developed and carried out at the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT). Project reference: PBA/ME/15/01

(2015-2016) Establishing a baseline on marine litter in the Azores (AZORLIT). Funded by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) developed and carried out at Instituto do Mar, Departamento de Oceanografia e Pescas (IMAR MARE DOP UAç) of Universidade dos Açores. Partners: Observatório do Mar dos Açores (OMA). Project reference: P01495

(2008-2013) Microplastics and persistent pollutants: a double threat to marine organisms (POIZON). Funded by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT-MCTES). Partners: Instituto Português do Mar e Atmosfera (IPMA) e Pólo de Inovação em Engenharia de Polímeros (PIEP). Project reference: PTDC/MAR/102677/2008.

(2010-2015) PhD fellowship: Effects of the presence of microplastic particles in Portuguese coastal waters and marine mussels. Funded by Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT-MCTES). Project reference: SFRH/BD/74772/2010.

Education

(2022 – 2023) QQI Level 6 Training, Delivery and Evaluation (Grade Merit) at DCM, the Learning Experts (DCM Learning), (online), Cork, Ireland.

(2018 – 2019) NFQ Level 9 MA Certificate in Teaching and Learning (Grade Pass) at Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT), Dublin Road Campus, Galway, Ireland.

(2011 – 2015) PhD. Environmental Sciences, Ecotoxicology and Marine Management (Grade 16/20) (1-First class) at Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia of Universidade Nova de Lisboa (FCT‑UNL), Lisbon, Portugal. Biochemical biomarker training at Plymouth University, U.K. PhD Thesis: Effects of the presence of microplastic particles in Portuguese coastal waters and marine mussels.  

(2006 – 2010) MSc. Ecological Engineering and Environmental Conservation Management at FCT-UNL. (Grade 15/20) (2.1-Upper second class). Master Thesis (available in only in Portuguese): Microplastics, the poisoned “present”.

(2002 – 2006) BSc. Environmental Engineering at FCT-UNL (Grade 13/20) (2.2-Lower second class). Enrolled for one semester at the Transboundary Water Management Master course at Radboud Universiteit Nijmegen (Netherlands) as part of the ERASMUS programme.

Technical proficiency (IT)

Proficient in Mac OS and in Windows 10; Microsoft Office and Apple Software packages, Cloud sharing.

Intermediate knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and Image-J (image edition); Google Earth Pro and ArcGIS (Geographic Information System); Citrix/Agresso (Finance and budget management)

Basic knowledge of R (statistical computing language and graphical environment); InDesign (design and editing); Evernote, Trello and Stack (organisation skills).

Non-formal training

(2021) The Seamanship STCW 95 Personal Sea Survival Techniques Course. (Full day) Donegal, Ireland.

(2019) - Day Course: “Fish Health Workshop” with DVM Felix Scholz, FishVet Group, (6 hours), Galway, Ireland.

(2019) - International Coastal Cleanup Symposium - Europe and Middle East Region, Ocean Conservancy, 24-26 October 2019, Oslo, Norway.

(2019) – Moodle On-line Course: “Research Integrity” with GMIT (50 hours). On-line.

(2019) – Observing dolphin necropsies as part of the IWDG secondment at the Regional Vet Laboratory - Cork (8 hours). Cork, Ireland

(2019) – Moodle On-line Course: “Supervising Masters & Doctoral Studies” with GMIT (50 hours). On-line.

(2019) – Day Course: “Fundamentals of Project Management” with Keith Clarke, Protrain.ie. (8 hours), Galway, Ireland

(2019) – Legal Island e-course: “GDPR Compliance in the Republic of Ireland Workplace Fundamental” (4 hours), On-line.

(2018-2019) Galway Actors Workshop with Sarah O’Toole and John Rogers. Several theatre courses (101, 201, heart is at play), Galway, Ireland. (Usually 6 weeks per course).

(2017) Bow Waves STCW 95 Personal Sea Survival Techniques Course. (Full day) Galway, Ireland.

(2017) UNEP & Open University Netherlands MOOC on Marine Litter e-course. Leadership and Expert tracks (50 hours). On-line.

(2015) UNEP & Open University Netherlands MOOC on Marine Litter e-course. Leadership track. (10 hours). On‑line.

(2015) MARLISCO e-course: “Know, Feel, Act! To Stop Marine Litter” for non‑formal educators. Science Communication. (16 hours) On- line.

 (2014) Body Language workshop with Rui Mendes at Portuguese Entrepreneurs. (5 hours). Lisbon, Portugal.

(2012) European Maritime Safety Agency and Portuguese National Maritime Authority marine pollution simulation and drill exercise “Xávega 2012”. (8 hours) Sesimbra, Portugal.

(2012) Methods of exam and analysis course with Maria João Melo at FCT‑UNL. Training in micro Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (μ‑FTIR) (160 hours). Caparica, Portugal

(2011) Marine litter mini-course with Prof. Monica Ferreira Costa from Pernambuco Federal University at FCT-UNL (5 hours). Caparica, Portugal

(2011) Governance and Public Participation Course with Prof. Lia Vasconcelos and Dr. Ursula Caser at FCT-UNL. (18 hours). Caparica Portugal.

(2010) GESAMP International workshop on micro-plastic particles as a vector in transporting persistent, bioaccumulating and toxic substances in the oceans. FAO/UNESCO Headquarters. (30 hours) Paris, France. Report available here

(2010) Zona #3 - Pedagogic Project from Teatro do Vestido (TdV) (35h)

(2009) Beach Management Workshop with Prof. Allan Williams and Dr. Bruno Vaz, at the International Coastal Symposium (ICS 2009) (5 hours). Lisboa, Portugal.

VolunteerIng and acting experience

(2018-present) MANIFESTO. Facilitator. Galway, Ireland. Founder of Manisfesto, Galway, which is a permanent theater workshop for adults.

(2017) MACNAS. Steward. Galway, Ireland. Description: Community engagement. Promotion of 2017 Halloween Parade in Galway. Reporting to Duty managers.

(2017) CLEAN COASTS. Beach Clean-up organiser. Description: Community engagement. Liaison with local authorities. Health and Safety officer. 

(2015) TEATRO DE GIZ. Theatre performer. Horta, Faial, Portugal. Description: Performance artist. Main male character role in the show “Não se paga, não se paga” from Italian Nobel Prize in Literature, Dario Fo.

(2010 and 2012) Wbmotion Kultur Verein (WBMOTION). European youth art project Feinprobe Honigsüss. (1-month per annum art residence). Theatre performer. Lutherstadt-Wittenberg, Germany. Description: Theatre and dance performance artist; dramaturge; scripter.

(2005-2010) NOVO NÚCLEO TEATRO (NNT). Theatre performer, producer and general director. Caparica, Portugal. Description: Project manager; Finance and Sales manager (ticket office and merchandising); Sales assistant; Theatre producer.; Performer artist; Community/Social network administrator. Shows: “L’herbe Rouge” from Boris Vian and directed by João Cleto; “Chez Kantor” based in the work of Tadeusz Kantor and directed by Pedro Manuel; “Film noir: dark narratives about breaking the natural order of things” based on the film noir movie genre and directed by Joana Craveiro