Rita Abecasis started to work with us on September. She will work at EMBRC.PT and also CCMAR, as Communication and Outreach Officer. 
Welcome Rita!

Tell us a bit about the work you’ll be doing at CCMAR.

I’m the Communication and Outreach Officer of the recently established Business Unit, and I’ll also be working closely with the Communication Department. As you may imagine, my work will be centred on all CCMAR’s communication activities. For starters, I’ll be working on the development and implementation of a communication strategy for the EMBRC and CCMAR. I’ll also be supporting the Business Unit in its mission to bridge the gap between industry and science. And in the long term I expect to develop new CCMAR outreach activities to increase Ocean Literacy.

What were you doing before you joined us?

Actually, this isn’t my first time at CCMAR. I’m also a marine biologist and from 2005 to 2008 I worked in research within the ALGAE and the CFRG research groups. Then I left to specialize in Science Communication during my PhD at the University of Western Australia. After my PhD, I worked as a communication specialist in the development of two new science-based web platforms: www.skanplatform.org and www.snimar.pt.

What interests and hobbies do you enjoy when you are not doing science?

I love the ocean, the beach life, the outdoors. Yes, I came to the right place! As for hobbies… Nowadays, my two baby girls keep my hands full (and I love it).  

Location: CCMAR (bldg 7 - office 3.3) at Gambelas Campus - UAlg