Maria Inês Alfaiate

Contributing to the strategic growth and visibility of S2AQUAcoLAB through a range of business development and marketing initiatives: -Conducting market and competitor analysis to identify trends and opportunities in the aquaculture sector; -Building and maintaining strategic partnerships with stakeholders and private sector entities; -Promoting services and projects through tailored marketing materials and presentations; -Developing B2B and B2C opportunities with client-focused solutions and regular outreach; -Coordinating digital and traditional marketing campaigns aligned with organizational goals; -Creating content and promotional assets in collaboration with the communications team; -Monitoring KPIs, evaluating campaign performance, and suggesting improvements based on data.

Development of the project "The Role of Cholesterol in Male Fertility", as part of the PhD in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine. Focused on the functional and molecular study of human spermatozoa and the impact of obesity on male fertility, aiming to improve clinical reproductive medicine services. Conducted in collaboration with the Reproductive Medicine Service of USL Coimbra and approved by its ethics committee (Procedure No. OBS.SF.74-2021). Funded by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, ref: 2020.05337.BD). Responsibilities: -Project writing, application, and development. -Ethics committee submission and approval. -Securing research funding. -Task, timeline, budget, and team management. -Cellular and molecular biology techniques: Immunofluorescence, cytology, protein extraction, Western blot, electrophysiology, and cytometry. -Supervision and mentorship of undergraduate and master’s students. -Data collection, processing, analysis, and visualization. -Scientific and public communication. -Writing reports, research articles, and PhD thesis. Key Achievements: -Published one review article, two original research articles, and four reports. -Delivered oral presentations at four scientific conferences. -Lectured five classes. -Supervised one master's student and five undergraduate students. -Participated in two science communication activities.

Working on the project "MEN’S HEALTH ESTARREJA – Evaluation of the reproductive health of men living in a heavily industrialized area." The project focused on assessing the impact of endocrine disruptors, particularly heavy metals, on male fertility in the Estarreja population. Lab work conducted within the Biology of Reproduction and Stem Cells Group (CNC|UC). Funded by OHM-E/2019/Proj.3. Responsibilities: • Conducted research on the effects of environmental pollutants on male reproductive health. • Performed cellular and molecular biology techniques, including sperm analysis, cytology, immunocytochemistry and biochemical analysis of fluids. • Managed data collection, processing, statistical analysis, and visualization. • Collaborated with clinicians and research teams for sample collection and clinical data integration. • Prepared reports, research articles, and presented findings at scientific conferences. • Engaged in science communication and public awareness activities related to environmental health. Key Achievements: • Presented findings at eight national and international conferences. • Received an award for best oral presentation in a scientific meeting. • Assisted in supervising undergraduate students involved in the project. • Participated in public outreach initiatives to raise awareness about environmental risks to reproductive health.

Researcher in the BioBlock Covid project, focused on evaluating the in vitro toxicity of various terpenes in macrophages, keratinocytes, and alveolar epithelium cell lines. The goal was to assess the safety of these compounds for use in disinfectants capable of eliminating SARS-CoV-2, ensuring their suitability for human application. Responsibilities: • Designed and conducted cytotoxicity assays on different cell lines. • Managed data collection, statistical analysis, and interpretation. • Coordinated project planning, budgeting, task management and team. • Prepared scientific reports and research documentation. • Performed cellular and molecular biology techniques, including cell culture, cytotoxicity assays and metabolic analysis. Key Achievements: • Generated safety data for potential disinfectant formulations targeting SARS-CoV-2. • Contributed to scientific reporting and documentation for regulatory and research purposes. • Strengthened expertise in cell culture, toxicology, and project management within a fast-paced research environment.

Hands-on training in advanced electrophysiology techniques for studying human sperm cells, with a focus on calcium quantification. Key Responsibilities: -Initial semen analysis (spermiogram) -Electrophysiological recordings using the voltage-clamp patch technique -Calcium measurement using Fluo-4 fluorescence analysis in a plate reader -Data collection, processing, and statistical analysis -Establishing professional networks and collaborations Key Achievements: -Acquired specialized training in cutting-edge electrophysiology and calcium imaging techniques -Fostered research collaborations within the scientific community This work was supported by a fellowship from Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia.

Contributed to the COVID-19 diagnostic efforts at the Laboratory of Clinical Analysis, University Hospitals of Coimbra, during the pandemic. Assisted in the processing and analysis of patient samples to support timely and accurate diagnosis. Responsibilities: -Performed sample handling, preparation, and processing for COVID-19 testing. -Assisted in PCR-based diagnostic procedures under strict biosafety protocols. -Ensured data entry, accuracy, and quality control in test reporting. -Collaborated with healthcare professionals in a high-pressure environment. Key Achievements: -Gained hands-on experience in clinical diagnostics and laboratory workflows. -Contributed to the rapid testing and response efforts during the pandemic. -Strengthened expertise in biosafety procedures and teamwork in healthcare settings.

Two-month internship in the Embryology and Andrology laboratories at the Reproductive Medicine Service, University Hospitals of Coimbra. Gained hands-on experience in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and male fertility assessment. Responsibilities: -Assisted in sperm analysis and preparation for ART procedures. -Observed and supported embryology lab techniques, including sample handling. -Ensured quality control and laboratory best practices. -Worked alongside clinicians and embryologists in a clinical research environment. Key Achievements: -Developed practical skills in reproductive biology and laboratory techniques. -Gained insight into clinical applications of reproductive medicine. -Strengthened knowledge in andrology and embryology workflows.

Pursued a Master’s degree in Biochemistry with a thesis focused on the field of Biology of Reproduction and Contraception. Conducted research on the development of chemical contraceptives for women, specifically analyzing the spermicidal efficacy and safety of various compounds aimed at contraceptive use. This project was carried out as part of an academic partnership with local research labs and institutions in Coimbra. Key Responsibilities: -Conducted laboratory research on chemical contraceptives, with a focus on safety and efficacy testing. -Applied advanced techniques in molecular biology and biochemistry for data collection and analysis. -Managed and maintained laboratory equipment and ensured proper safety protocols were followed. -Collaborated with faculty members and other students on research projects, contributing to discussions and problem-solving. -Prepared and presented scientific findings in research reports and presentations. -Actively participated in academic seminars and networking events to develop professional connections and stay informed of the latest research trends. -Assisted in the supervision of undergraduate students, providing guidance in laboratory settings and research techniques. Key Achievements: -Gained hands-on experience in experimental design, data analysis, and the application of laboratory techniques. -Developed strong interpersonal and communication skills through research collaborations and presentations. -Contributed to the academic environment by attending networking events and engaging in scientific discussions. -Honed proficiency in Microsoft Office tools, data management, and scientific communication.

During my master's, I conducted my thesis research in the Biology of Reproduction and Stem Cells group at the Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology. My project, titled "Analysis of the Efficacy and Safety of Spermicides with Benzalkonium Chloride and Myristalkonium Chloride as Active Ingredients," not only allowed me to develop independence in daily lab work but also strengthened my critical thinking and scientific writing skills. I worked in parallel with human sperm cells and HeLa cell cultures, gaining experience in various cellular and molecular biology techniques.