PhD in Aquatic Sciences at the University of Porto in 2002. She is the Principal Investigator of the EcoBioTec Group (Bioremediation and Ecosystems Functioning). She focus her research on the development of biotechnology tools for the recovery of aquatic and wetland ecosystems, based on the ability of autochthonous plants and microorganisms to remove contaminants, through bioremediation and phytoremediation processes. She published ca. 50 SCI papers including high profile journals such as Bioresource Technology or Environmental Science and Technology. Also, she is the Scientific Coordinator of the CMIA (Environmental Monitoring and Interpretation Centre) of Vila do Conde.