Biography
I am a Scientist at the Natural Bioactives and Nutraceuticals área of iBET, and I have been in the Institute since 2010.
I hold a PhD in molecular biosciences (2021) obtained from ITQB-NOVA in Lisbon, Portugal. In my research I have been captivated by the wide diversity of legumes as sources of beneficial compounds with potential positive impact in human/animal health.
My research work has been guided by the study of food compounds, namely bioactive compounds, and protein quality, using spectrophotometric, chromatographic, and mass spectrometry techniques. Principal component analysis, PCA, and Partial Least Square – Discriminant analysis, PLS-DA, as key data organization tools, are regularly utilized in my research for multivariate data analysis. In collaboration with institutes such as ITQB-NOVA, ISA, and Nofima, I have been participating in several national and international projects focused on enhancing the value of legumes and plant-based products.
Recently I was granted funding by FCT in the 6th CEEC call (2024). Under the funded project I aim to elucidate the impact of plant and microalgae blends in the colon health and weight management through gut microbiota modulation. For that advanced metabolomics and chemometric analysis will be applied.
As one of the most rewarding activities, I can mention students/new collaborators training, contributing for the improvement of their scientific skills. Aligned with such purpose whenever possible I participate as invited lecture in MSc programs.