My passion for teaching and mentoring started in my youth, as a Ballet teacher to children and young adults. This was a truly formative experience, which has instilled in me a deep appreciation for the importance of creativity, the value of individuality in learning, and the lasting influence of teachers in our personal and professional development. These principles continue to shape my approach to education today.

I have been teaching in higher education settings since 2014, across a range of contexts and target audiences, spanning from Summer Schools in neuroscience methods for international and diverse audiences, to lectures and hands-on activities for BSc, MSc, MRes, and PhD students in Portugal and the United Kingdom. I am also committed to collaborative academic development and I frequently engage in training to keep up with the most cutting-edge teaching practices. In addition to my own learning, I also provide staff training on pastoral support, creative educational techniques, and the integration of Generative AI in the classroom.

Currently, I teach at University College London and the Anna Freud Centre, lecturing and leading modules in the following topics: infant, child, and adolescent development; cognitive, affective, and developmental neuroscience; mental health in school settings; play and videogaming across the lifespan. I also do international collaborations and trainings in the same fields.

Recognitions

My innovative educational practices in higher education have been recognised over the years:

• Fellowship from the UK Higher Education Academic

• “Digitally enriched learning” from the UCL Faculty of Brain Sciences

• “Inspiring teaching delivery” nominations from the UCL Student Choice Awards since 2023 .

Public Engagement

Parallel to my work in higher education, I also acknowledge the importance and enjoy engaging in public outreach, translating scientific knowledge to children and families.

A highlight is the course I have created as a Scientist Tutor for the Brilliant Club’s Scholars Programme, for which I developed and delivered a course addressed to children and adolescents. I delivered this course for more than 70 pupils from Key Stages 4 and 5, across 5 schools in London.

I have also contributed with sessions on brain development and emotional processing for school-aged children from underserved Portuguese communities in the UK, as part of the Native Scientists initiatives.