Vera Cardoso

Vera Cardoso is a Research Fellow at the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) since 2023, working within the Espiña Research Group. Her research focuses on technological applications of microalgae (diatoms) with emphasis on optical properties and sustainable environmental solutions.

Her educational background includes:

• BSc in Aquatic Sciences from the University of Porto (2016)
• MSc in Marine Biology from the University of Aveiro (2022), specializing in photophysiology of cyanobacterial strains and microalgal growth efficiency techniques

Research Interests: Vera pioneers the utilization of diatom biosilica for advanced applications, developing enhanced protocols for cultivation, purification, characterization, and functionalization. Her work integrates in vivo doping of chemicals, structural control via clonal cell lines, and photonic property analysis. Current research centers on diatom biosilica for photocatalysis under her FCT-funded PhD project, bridging marine biology with sustainable nanotechnology.

Scientific awards:

• FCT PhD grant (2024) for diatom biosilica photocatalysis research

She contributes significantly to the NASCADIA project (PTDC/BTA-BTA/2061/2021), a University of Aveiro-INL collaboration, where she manages critical experimental processes. As an active member of the Espiña Research Group, she advances interdisciplinary work at the intersection of biophotonics, materials science, and environmental engineering.