I am currently a Senior Lecturer in Biochemical Engineering at University College Cork (Ireland), holding a joint appointment in the School of Microbiology and the School of Engineering & Architecture. I was trained in Bioprocess Engineering and Biotechnology at the Federal University of Paraná (Brazil), where I graduated with the highest GPA of the year. I completed my PhD at the Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg in cooperation with the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems (Germany), with my thesis on Simulated Moving Bed Chromatography awarded the highest honours. I was subsequently awarded a competitive FAPESP individual postdoctoral fellowship in Quality by Design (QbD) led biopharmaceutical process development at the University of São Paulo (Brazil), followed by an Instrument Scientist role overseeing the Bernal Bio Labs at the University of Limerick (Ireland).

My current research focuses on the development of sustainable biomanufacturing processes to support the circular bioeconomy. My research integrates QbD and Safe & Sustainable by Design principles to create robust and scalable processes, with a particular emphasis on the development of Digital Twins of bioprocesses for optimisation and control. A key strand of my work is the integration of AI/ML into the control and optimisation of precision fermentation processes, linking advanced modelling, Data Science and Experimental Design to accelerate innovation in industrial biotechnology.

My research interests focus on developing sustainable biomanufacturing within the circular bioeconomy. I work on hybrid mechanistic and data-informed models, bioprocess scale-up, and QbD-driven bioprocess development supported by Process Analytical Technology (PAT), control and optimisation, as well as Bayesian Inference and uncertainty analyses. I am particularly interested in the development of Digital Twins and AI/ML-enabled control strategies for Precision Fermentation, with applications in sustainable industrial bioprocesses for the production of biopharmaceuticals, foods, platform chemicals, and high-value ingredients.

I currently coordinate and contribute to modules in Experimental Design and Data Analysis, Sustainable Biochemical Engineering, Biopharmaceutical Engineering, Bioprocess Design, Manufacturing Excellence, and Microbial Physiology in Bioreactors across the Schools of Microbiology and Engineering & Architecture at UCC. I integrate Statistical Experimental Design, Process Modelling, and Digital Tools, including elements of Data Science and Process Analytical Technology, to connect fundamental Microbiology and Engineering with real bioprocess challenges in industry. I also supervise undergraduate and postgraduate research projects and dissertations, using authentic, research-led and industry-informed problems to prepare students for advanced biomanufacturing and the circular bioeconomy.