Catarina Jesus Pinho

I graduated in Biology at the Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto (FCUP) in 2016 and completed my Masters in Biodiversity, Genetics and Evolution at FCUP and BIOPOLIS-InBIO in 2018. During these two years, I specialised in molecular techniques such as DNA metabarcoding and environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis, with a particular focus on dietary studies of endangered endemic insular reptiles. This experience allowed me to obtain a one-year position as a laboratory technician, which allowed me to deepen my knowledge of environmental metagenomics techniques applied to biodiversity conservation. 

In October 2019, I started my PhD at FCUP/ FCUL, BIOPOLIS-CIBIO and Instituto de Productos Naturales y Agrobiología (IPNA-CSIC) in Spain. I defended my thesis in July 2024, which focused on the use of DNA metabarcoding and morphological variation to study dietary patterns and ecological interactions within endemic insular reptiles, with a focus on resource partitioning and competitive divergence. I have deepened my knowledge of ecological interactions, NGS data processing, data analysis and visualisation, as well as scientific communication, collaboration, mentoring and critical thinking.  

I'm currently working as a Junior researcher applying all the molecular techniques, I have acquired during my academic career to wildlife conservation and management, focusing on endangered species.