I am an Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Department of Medicine, Section of Genetic Medicine, at the University of Chicago. With over a decade of experience in molecular biology and metabolism research, my work focuses on uncovering how molecular mechanisms govern health and metabolic disease, particularly in the context of RNA modifications, diabetes, and aging. 

My scientific journey began during my Master’s studies as a Fulbright Research Scholar in the laboratory of Professor Rohit N. Kulkarni at the Joslin Diabetes Center. This work continued through my PhD in the Graduate Program of Basic and Applied Biology (GABBA) at the University of Porto, where I investigated the epigenetic reprogramming of hepatic metabolism. 

Before joining the University of Chicago, I served as an Instructor in Medicine at Harvard Medical School and as a Research Associate at the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston. My independent research has been supported by the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD), the American Diabetes Association (ADA), and recently by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) through a K99/R00 award. My current projects focus on understanding how RNA modifications, particularly m⁶A, shape metabolic regulation and aging — with the ultimate goal of paving the way for new therapeutic strategies against metabolic disease. 

Beyond research, I am deeply passionate about academia, teaching, and mentoring. Having once worked as a high school biology teacher in Portugal, I remain committed to advancing the careers of trainees at all levels, creating an environment where young scientists can thrive and achieve their professional goals.