Mariana R. F. Silva has a degree in Biotechnology (2015), a masters in Food Biotechnology (2017), and is currently attending the PhD programme Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, all in Aveiro University. Before starting the PhD, she worked on the project "Smart Green Homes", with 2 distinct grants. The first was for the development of photocatalysts capable of degrading compounds such as CO2, NOx and VOCs (volatile organic compounds), when exposed to solar or UV (ultra-violet) radiation and visible light sources. During this time a prototype was developed to be used in air purifiers and exhaust ducts of heat pumps in production and already produced, respectively, by the project's industry partner (Bosch). The second grant was for the production and study of piezoelectric nanoparticles, using microwave technology. She is also a member in a Cost action regarding the importance of carbon materials. This a result of the use of carbon materials in the photocatalytic materials developed for the SMH project.