João Filipe Viana (JFV) graduated in Biochemistry (School of Sciences, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal) in 2017. His final project, developed at the Life and Health Research Institute (ICVS) under the supervision of João Filipe Oliveira (PhD), focused on the role of intracellular calcium elevations in astrocytes from adult and aged mice. JFV remained at the School of Medicine, University of Minho, to pursue his MSc studies in Health Sciences with his previous supervisor. During his MSc, JFV generated various mouse models using genetic approaches, including tamoxifen-inducible and intracranial virus injection techniques. He also learned and performed several behavioral tests and molecular analyses, which significantly enhanced his technical expertise. JFV developed a PhD (2021-2025) in the Brain Circuits and Neuron-glia Adaptations team under the supervision of João Filipe Oliveira at ICVS and Gertrudis Perea at Cajal Institute. At ICVS, JFV improved his knowledge and training in transgenic models and genetic manipulation using viral vectors to manipulate astrocytes, animal experimentation, and histological and molecular techniques, becoming one of the most experienced team members in the laboratory. At the Cajal Institute, where JFV spent nine months in the Neuro-glial Networks Laboratory, he learned to perform local field potential recordings and calcium imaging in brain slices.