Beatriz Saldanha

I did my bachelor degree in Biology by the University of Aveiro, where I worked with histology and ecotoxicology. Posteriorly, concluded my master degree by the Faculty of Sciences of University of Porto, in Biodiversity, Genetics and Evolution, where I had the opportunity to work in the Animal Behaviour area, my thesis being focused on the effects of serotonin (5-HT) on common waxbills’ (Estrilda astrild) behaviour. Behaviour became a large area of interest for me, captivating in every way and making me want to perceive this path, that is to further understand a species, its ecology and phsyiology, especially regarding the environmental changes that we’re facing. In that sense, my PhD will focus on how climate warming affects reproductive success of endangered steppe birds, resorting to spatial, physiological and behavioural parameters, and applying biophysical models. With this work, I hope to improve conservation guidelines by elucidating the factors impacting breeding success, mortality differentials and habitat selection through a methodology with minimal disturbance to natural ecosystems.