My academic studies have a foundation in Biological Engineering, which focused on catalysis with enzymes and zeolites. This further became the topic of my Chemical Engineering Ph.D. In 2009, I started working at A4F – Algae for Future, a Portuguese SME founded in 2007 and dealing with microalgae biotechnology. My professional experience and growth has run parallel to the company’s history. From a trainee performing daily routine lab and pilot unit operation, I evolved to becoming an R&D project manager and also a project engineering manager in the implementation of industrial scale microalgae production facilities in 2011. In 2015, I took on the role of Chief Operations Officer at A4F, coordinating teams involved in the areas of R&D, Engineering, and Business Development. In 2020, I was appointed Executive Board Member for the areas of Operations and Business Development at A4F, while also taking on a role as Board Member of Biotrend (bioprocess company within the A4F Group). In 2024, I was appointed Chief Scientific and Sustainability Officer of the A4F Group. I am also an active member of sectorial organizations such as the EABA – European Algae Biomass Association (member of the Steering Board since 2018) and BIC – Bio-based Industries Consortium.