My primary research focus revolves around robust, non-parametric, computational statistics, and more recently also machine learning, particularly in the context of genetic/genomic association studies and the prediction of quantitative traits. My expertise has primarily been applied to challenges in plant breeding, yet I maintain a keen interest in extending these statistical methodologies to animal and human studies.

In addition to my academic work, I currently hold the position of President of the Supervisory Board of the Portuguese Statistical Society, serve as the 'Portuguese Country Representative' within the Caucus for Women in Statistics, where I am also a member of the Nominations Committee, and coordinate NOVA Math's MathHealth thematic line.