2024-08-302024-08-30https://dspace.usj.edu.mo/handle/123456789/5782I am a biologist with a doctorate degree in Biology (Ecophysiology) obtained through the University of Lisbon (Portugal) and postdoctoral research experience from the Cornell University (USA). I am currently an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Science and Environment currently teaching neurobiology and environment-related subjects. My research interests are animal communication and underlying neuroanatomical and physiological mechanisms. I am especially interested in the mechanisms controlling auditory sensitivity and how changes in the environment (e.g. noise pollution) and aging affect the structure and function of auditory systems and possible physiological adaptations. I have been using the highly vocal Lusitanian toadfish (Halobatrachus didactylus) and, more recently, the zebrafish (Danio rerio) as my model organisms. My current research lines cover the following topics: 1) development of auditory-vocal systems; 2) hormonal control of auditory sensitivity; 3) effects of environmental stressors (noise) on inner ear anatomy and sensitivity. A parallel project, in collaboration with The University of Hong Kong (Global Night Sky Brightness Monitoring Network), focuses on light pollution in Macau and its implications for local population and biodiversity. I have received several grants from Portugal (FCT, MCTES - SFRH/BM/21774/2005, SFRH/BD/30491/2006) and USA (Grass Fellowship, Grass Foundation, Marine Biological Laboratory; postdoctoral grant, Cornell University), as well as from FDCT, Macau (012/2012/A1; 036/2015/A1). The ongoing research relies on a collaboration with various institutions abroad, namely with the University of Lisbon, Portugal (Fonseca Lab) and the Cornell University, USA (Bass Lab).