Hailing from the fishery town in South of Portugal called Olhão, my affinity for marine life was cultivated by the countless hours I spent immersed in the sea, striving to identify each organism by name. Building upon this passion, I pursued a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology at Algarve University in Faro, Portugal. Subsequently, I embarked on an enriching internship at KAUST, where I contributed to the characterization of molecular and cellular changes induced by UV exposure in fish. Furthering my academic journey, I attained a master's degree at the Reef Ecology Lab, where my research centered on the variability of larval behavior within and among anemone species, exploring its implications on larval dispersal patterns at different spatial scales. Currently, as a dedicated Ph.D. student, my focus lies on comprehending the impacts of Anthropogenic actions on reef organisms and providing valuable insights to inform sustainable management practices.