PhD in Biochemical Engineering from University College London (1994), she began her higher education at the Catholic University of Portugal, having graduated in Food Engineering (1989). She is a Full Professor at the Escola Superior de Biotecnologia of which she is currently also the Director.
She is responsible for disciplines in the areas of bioengineering and microbiology, with a special focus on technology and sustainability. Her research interests focus on environmental biotechnology, crossing different areas, from agri-food to health and well-being, in topics such as the biodegradation of pollutants, technologies for the treatment and recovery of wastewater and industrial by-products, phytoremediation, and the development of bioinoculants for the agroforestry sector.