My Doctoral studies investigated how octocoral microbiomes respond to biotic and abiotic stressors, and how these microbial communities vary with host health status. Through this work, I have developed expertise in metagenomics, microbial ecology, and experimental mesocosm systems, with additional hands‑on experience in bacterial and fungal cultivation and octocoral husbandry. I obtained my Master’s degree in Biotechnology from Instituto Superior Técnico (University of Lisbon) in 2019, where my thesis focused on the bioactivity of chemical extracts from marine bacterial symbionts of octocorals and sponges against human lung and breast cancer cell lines. Before that, I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Biology, specializing in Molecular Biology and Genetics, at the Faculty of Sciences (University of Lisbon) in 2017. During my undergraduate studies, I explored diverse areas of biology, including phytoremediation, molecular epidemiology through an internship in the Laboratory of Molecular Biology and HIV Epidemiology (Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon), and workshops in forensic entomology and biological/forensic anthropology. These experiences broadened my scientific perspective and reinforced my enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research. In my academic as well as personal life, I value both, learning new things and sharing knowledge and experiences.