Joana Rodrigues Rato

Joana Rodrigues Rato is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Health Sciences and Nursing at Universidade Católica Portuguesa (UCP) and an integrated researcher at the Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Health (CIIS).

Her educational background includes:

• Doctorate in Health Sciences (2014) from Universidade Católica Portuguesa
• DEA in Clinical Neuropsychology (2006) from Universidad de Salamanca, Spain
• Degree in Educational Psychology (2003)

Joana's research bridges cognitive neuroscience with educational practices, focusing on Neurosciences and Education, Neuromyths, Practice-based evidence, Neuropsychological assessment, Executive functions, and Emerging math skills. Her work examines how brain functions impact learning processes and educational outcomes across diverse populations.

Her recent publications reveal strong trends in understanding digital technology's cognitive impacts, health-condition-cognition relationships, and targeted interventions for executive function improvement. These studies demonstrate her commitment to evidence-based educational applications with practical implications.

Scientific recognition:

• HONORABLE MENTION to Executive functioning training in typically developing adolescents: data review from the last 10 years (2023)

Joana has extensive supervision experience with 2 doctoral theses co-supervised in cognitive science and currently co-supervising 5 students (3 with FCT scholarships). She has supervised 17 master's dissertations in neuropsychology and currently supervises 6 students. Her research is supported by multiple grants including projects with municipalities, schools, and national funding agencies.

She actively disseminates knowledge through media appearances and contributions to the ED-ON science communication platform of the Iniciativa Educação.org, demonstrating commitment to public engagement with science.