The following interview was featured in Issue #1 of the INESC INOV-Lab Newsletter, published on 30 September 2025. You can read this and other articles in full by downloading it from the Newsletter section of our website. We hope you enjoy your reading!
What is your academic background, and how did you come to the field you are currently exploring?
My academic path started with a Systems and Multimedia Engineering degree from Edinburgh Napier University, blending Information Systems, Engineering, and Computing. I then completed a distinguished master’s at Instituto Superior Técnico in partnership with Universidade Aberta. Now, I’m finalizing my doctoral thesis at Técnico, researching digital risk, fake news, and decision-making in critical situations.
What led you to choose the topic of your thesis, and how would you describe your project in a few words?
Driven by the growing impact of digital misinformation and the urgent need to manage risk online, I chose to explore decision-making under uncertainty and digital threats. In a few words, my project develops new tools to help enterprises identify, assess, and respond to fake news and disinformation in high-stakes scenarios.
How has your experience been in developing your work within your research group?
Developing my work within the research group has been a rewarding and collaborative experience. I have benefited greatly from exchanging ideas and expertise with fellow researchers, which has enriched my project and broadened my perspective. The guidance and mentorship of Prof. Miguel Mira da Silva has been instrumental, providing direction, insight, and support throughout the research process.
What are the main challenges you have encountered at this stage of your academic journey?
Some of the main challenges I have encountered at this stage of my academic journey include navigating the complexity of digital misinformation and fake news, which constantly evolve and require interdisciplinary methods to understand and manage. Balancing rigorous research demands with developing practical, actionable solutions for high-stakes decision-making also remains an ongoing challenge. Additionally, keeping pace with rapidly changing technology and digital behaviours requires continuous learning and adaptability.
Where do you see yourself professionally in five years’ time?
In five years, I envision myself holding a professorship where I can contribute to academic excellence through teaching and mentoring the next generation of professionals. Alongside this, I aim to lead impactful research projects that advance knowledge in digital risk and information integrity. Additionally, I plan to engage in consulting roles, applying my expertise to solve real-world challenges in risk management and digital transformation.