Dulce Helena Morgado Raimundo Melão

Dulce Helena Morgado Raimundo Melão is an Assistant Professor at the School of Education of the Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, where she is a member of the Department of Language Sciences. She is a full member of the Center for Studies in Education and Innovation (CI&DEI) and has been actively involved in research projects addressing representations and experiences of reading and literature for children since 2016.

Her educational background includes a PhD in Education - Didactics and Curricular Development from the University of Aveiro (2011-2016), a Master's degree in Portuguese Literature from the University of Coimbra (1992-1996), and a Master's degree in Nineteenth Century Literary Research from Lancaster University, UK (1998-1999). She also holds a Certificate of Advanced Training in Teaching and Training from the University of Aveiro and a Post-Experience Certificate in Professional and Personal Development from Lancaster University.

Dr. Melão's research focuses on reading practices in higher education and children's literature, particularly contemporary picturebooks and their role in teacher training. Her work explores how literature can foster empathy, address grief and loss, support inclusion, and promote global citizenship education. She investigates spatial representations in children's books, examining how urban spaces, war, and pandemics are depicted in literature for young readers. Her research also examines the intersection of Portuguese language and mathematics through children's literature, demonstrating interdisciplinary connections in educational contexts.

Her recent publications reveal a strong emphasis on emotional literacy, with particular attention to how picturebooks can help children process difficult emotions like grief and loss. She has made significant contributions to understanding how contemporary children's literature can address social issues including peace education, inclusion of children with disabilities, and intergenerational relationships. Her work often analyzes the role of illustrations and the materiality of books, especially pop-up books and wordless picturebooks, in educational settings.

Dr. Melão holds various leadership positions including Coordinator of LAPE (Local for Application and Promotion of Portuguese Language Exams), member of the Self-Evaluation Committee for Master's programs, and member of the Department Council of Language Sciences. She has coordinated the Portuguese Language Area and served on the Scientific Committee of the Department of Language Sciences.

She actively collaborates on research projects including 'Imaginários iluminados na didática do Português' and 'Representações e experiências da leitura,' demonstrating her commitment to advancing educational practices through scholarly inquiry. Her work bridges theoretical research with practical applications in teacher training and classroom instruction.