Maria João Monteiro Marques

I obtained a Degree in Biology, also at FCUP, where I had the chance to do an internship with the InvasionS research group, focused on the "Perceptions of local stakeholders about the impacts of invasive alien species on ecosystem services”. I am attending a master’s degree in Ecology and Environment at the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto (FCUP).

During my first year of master's, I also enrolled in the Blue Young Talent scholarship program, at CIIMAR, where I studied the allometry of the forewing of native bees in the Caatinga biome, under the supervision of the research group Ecosystem Monitoring and Sustainability (EcoSignal). I am currently doing my master’s thesis under the supervision of Filipe Banha, from the Centro de Ciências do MAR e do Ambiente (MARE-UÉ), and Joana Vicente, from the Invasion Science (InvasionS) research group at the CIBIO-InBIO BIOPOLIS research center, in which I am studying competitive fishermen's knowledge of the Union's legislation, listed species and law enforcement and interest in managing invasive fish fauna.

I have also acquired several soft skills (e.g., management, leadership, teamwork, etc.) while volunteering in associations that educate the public about the problems of industries and potential sustainable alternatives, and I was part of the board of the Debating Society of the University of Porto. I am currently involved in InvasionS internal group activities, such as the team’s image renovation.