Tell us a bit about the work you are/will be doing at CCMAR. 
I am here at CCMAR for setting up an Imaging Platform and to provide a service on Optical Microscopy. My role is to support people on their imaging projects, starting from choosing the right technique to visualise their samples and answering biological questions, including advice on sample preparation, image acquisition and analysis. I will provide hands-on training and perform regular maintenance of CCMAR microscopes. I also want to organise teaching courses and actively contribute to deepening the knowledge of our community on Optical Microscopy. 

What were you doing before you joined us? 
I was working as assistant manager of the Micron Advanced Bioimaging Unit at the University of Oxford, UK. At Micron I learn how to run all the daily aspects of a microscopy facility and assisted users from multiple departments and research areas. I also organised microscopy courses and was an active member of the Oxford bioimaging network. Before that, I was doing a postdoc in cell membrane imaging at Oxford and did my PhD in single-molecule biophysics in Florence, Italy. My background is in Biology (University of Coimbra), so I really remember how challenging it was for me to learn about optical microscopy and multidisciplinary science from the very beginning. 

What do you enjoy doing outside of work? 
I am passionate about photography which is a bit suspicious, as photography and microscopy share a lot of the same principles. I love recharging my energies in the middle of nature, mountain hiking, practising yoga, and going to good concerts or street festivals. And I love travelling and escaping to weekend “retreats” with very good friends where you just wish to stop the clock.