Maria obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology from the University of the Algarve and her Master’s degree in Biotechnology at the University of Aveiro. During her postgraduate training, her work focused on the development of advanced bioengineering platforms integrating cell encapsulation strategies with acoustic wave-driven organization of cells and modular microenvironments. In November 2025, Maria initiated her PhD in Medical Biotechnology at the University of Aveiro, centred on the development of physiologically relevant in vitro models, using ultrasound manipulation and biomaterial design.