Graça holds a PhD in Environmental Engineering (social systems), an MSc in Sanitary Engineering, and a BSc in Environmental Engineering, all from FCT NOVA. Her extensive professional experience includes serving as Ombudsman for NOVA Students (2018–2021), Vice-Dean of FCT NOVA for academic and scientific matters (2011–2018), President of NOVA.ID—Association for Innovation and Development of FCT NOVA (2014–2018), member of the Advisory Board of the Water and Waste Services Regulatory Authority (ERSAR, 2006–2011), President of the Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering at FCT NOVA (2022–2026), member of the Scientific Council of FCT NOVA (2024–2028), President of the Council of R&D Units at FCT NOVA (2024–2028), member of the Board of Directors of the Center for Marine and Environmental Sciences (MARE) and the ARNET Associated Laboratory, and coordinator of the Regional Research Unit MARE NOVA (2020–2028). Graça's expertise lies in the fields of planning and policy instruments for waste management, waste collection systems, material recycling, waste management models for the circular economy, and social psychology applied to behaviors towards waste. She is also an author and co-author of several scientific articles and books widely used in academia and the waste sector, such as “Sustainable Solid Waste Collection and Management” (Springer International Publishing), awarded the 1st prize from the International Solid Waste Association, ISWA Publication Award 2019.