I have a graduation in Biology (1992), a PhD in Biology, specialty of Physiology and Biochemistry (2000), and over eleven years of post-doctoral experience in Intelligent Sensing in Biology applied to agronomics, being the co-founder of this CEOT research line in 2007. Presently, I am a Post-doc researcher, funded by FCT, in the Intelligent sensing team with the project "Smart tools for optimizing management in precision agriculture of citrus orchards" (SFRH/BPD/101634/2014)

In CEOT I have been involved in several projects, enrolling my background in Plant Physiology and Biochemistry and acquiring expertise in Postharvest and Spectroscopy. During this time, I have (co-)/supervised many students and fellow researchers. 

I have authored/co-authored over 30 scientific publications in books, peer-reviewed international journals, and my work was presented in several conferences. I have also organized and participated in several outreach activities.

My research area, interests and goals comprise the following:

1) Intelligent-sensing applied to biological systems and agronomics based on non-invasive methods [Vis/NIR reflectance spectroscopy; spatially resolved reflectance; light scattering goniometry; bio-luminescence; non-modulated and modulated chlorophyll a fluorescence; imaging fluorescence (blue, green, red); electronic-sensing technology; and sensor fusion technology] to determine the quality and maturity of fruit (pre-harvest and postharvest) and other commodities (propolis, honey, etc.) as well as the early diagnosis of fruit disorders and plant infections. I aim to contribute to establish real-time orchard management procedures complying with the precision agriculture goals, such as a decision system/protocol to predict the optimal harvest date of protected designation of origin (PDO) and protected geographical indication (PGI) commodities, such as “Algarve Citrus”.

2) I am still very engaged in the field of plant and fruit physiology and biochemistry under stress conditions: photosynthesis and carbon partitioning and allocation processes; physiological, biochemical and molecular mechanisms.