2005: PhD in Ocean and Earth Science. National Oceanography Centre, University of Southampton, UK.
2001: First degree in Aquatic Sciences. Institute for Biomedical Science Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Portugal.
Ecology of deep-sea ecosystems, particularly chemosynthesis-based ecosystems (hydrothermal vents, cold seeps and whale falls);
Life-story traits and reproductive ecology of deep-sea invertebrates;
Population connectivity in deep-sea ecosystems and its implications for biogeography and conservation;
Evolution, phylogeny and taxonomy of deep-sea invertebrates, in particular polychaetes of the family Siboglinidae.