When we witness the aftermath of a devastating wildfire, our eyes naturally drift to the charred canopy. My focus, however, is always on what lies beneath our feet. As an environmental engineer, my professional mission centers on the prevention and mitigation of forest soil degradation, specifically the damage caused by intense wildfires and heavy land mobilization.

My academic roots run deep at the University of Aveiro, where I earned my Bachelor’s, Master’s, and ultimately my PhD in Environmental Sciences and Engineering. Throughout my doctoral research, I focused intensely on understanding how human interventions, such as the construction of forest terraces, reshape soil functions and impact long-term ecosystem health.

Over the course of my career, I have been fortunate to contribute actively to the global scientific community. Beyond publishing, I am deeply committed to collaborative research, having participated in a multitude of competitive projects.

Ultimately, I believe that impactful science must extend beyond the laboratory. I am passionate about knowledge transfer and community outreach, regularly engaging in consultancy work to advise broader society on post-fire erosion prevention. By translating academic insights into practical, real-world solutions, I aim to help communities safeguard and preserve our vital forest soils long after the smoke clears.