I have been studying plant responses to biotic and abiotic stresses using an interdisciplinary approach with an emphasis on metabolomics. Specifically, I have been characterizing molecular and biochemical mechanisms of plant-pathogen interactions, plant responses to combined biotic and abiotic stresses, as well as processes involved in plant response to iron deficiency and the impact of legume iron composition on human nutrition. One major aim of my work is to elucidate changes induced by stress on overall plant metabolic pathways, and translate that knowledge into practical applications. Lately, I am studying the relationship between nutrition and health using metabolomics and the neonate pig as a model. My ultimate goal is to improve agricultural sustainability, crop quality and yield, food security, and human health and nutrition.

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Education

PhD Biology, 2009, University of Minho, Portugal.
MS Epidemiology, 2010, Faculty of Medicine-University of Porto, Portugal.
BS Applied Biology, 2003, University of Minho, Portugal.