I am a research fellow under supervision of Doctor Bárbara Coimbra and Doctor Ana João Rodrigues. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Biochemistry (School of Science, University of Minho) and a Master’s degree in Neurobiology (Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto). During my Master’s I integrated the C2B team, developing my thesis on the title “Valence encoding ensembles in the Laterodorsal Tegmental Nucleus”, under the supervision of Doctor Bárbara Coimbra and Doctor Ana João Rodrigues. During this period, I used fiber photometry and optogenetics alongside preference tasks to study the response of Laterodorsal Tegmental Nucleus (LDT) specific populations to valence stimuli, as well as the effects of their manipulation on behaviour.

Currently, I am further developing my work on this topic implementing innovative techniques, such as calcium imaging with miniaturized microscopes to help elucidate the role of the LDT on reward and aversion encoding.