I studied Biomedical Engineering (integrated Master’s) at Instituto Superior Técnico Lisboa from 2018 to 2023, with a specialization in Molecular and Cellular Engineering, Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine. My Master’s thesis was developed in Instituto de Medicina Molecular (IMM) Lisbon in the Ageing and Tissue Repair Lab, where I investigated immune behaviour in skeletal muscle regeneration. Since then, macrophages have been a central part of my research, inclusively now in my PhD which I started in September 2024 in the Experimental Vascular Pathology group in Maastricht UMC+ and Maastricht University, under the supervision of Prof. Erik Biessen and Lieve Temmerman, as part of the MIRACLE Doctoral Network.

In my research, I am studying macrophage function and metabolism in human atherosclerotic plaques under abnormal metabolic states, specifically in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Patients with T2DM experience faster progression of atherosclerosis, which leads to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. However, the exact mechanisms causing this accelerated progression remain unclear. Therefore, we aim to investigate changes in macrophage activity that correlate with plaque stability or progression, with the goal of therapeutically targeting these adverse changes in T2DM patients.

To recharge my energy outside of the lab, I enjoy doing bodycombat classes at the gym and taking walks along the riverside, as the water reminds me of home.