(Chemical) Bonding is what makes life possible

Diana R. Cunha is pursuing a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences with a specialization in Analytical Chemistry at the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto (FFUP). Her Ph.D. is centered on the “Development of analytical strategies for evaluation of biopharmaceuticals”. DC has experience in electrochemical techniques and on the development of electrochemical biosensors. Her technical skills extend to flow techniques, automated systems, NMR, molecular recognition strategies, Python programming, and 3D printing. DC holds a MSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences from FFUP, during which she collaborated on a project investigating natural compounds with antifungal activity, resulting in two poster presentations and peer-reviewed scientific paper. During her MSc, DC also gained international experience through an Erasmus+ internship in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, where she worked in hospital pharmacies. In 2020 she joined the Laboratory of Applied Chemistry at FFUP as a research fellow, where she worked in electrochemistry, particularly in developing methods involving molecularly imprinted polymers for the detection of pharmaceuticals, particularly antibiotics. Since January 2021, DC has been a Ph.D. fellow at FFUP, contributing to teaching practical classes in analytical methods within the MSc programs in Quality Control and Clinical and Forensic Analytical Toxicology. DC was also a visiting researcher in the Dr. Anderson Research Group at the Department of Chemistry of Iowa State University, further broadening her research and academic experience. DC is an active member of the scientific community, serving as the editor of the science and health editorial board at Jornal Universitário do Porto and holding leadership positions, including being an elected member of the direction board of the Young Chemists Network of the Portuguese Chemical Society and a delegate at the Public Outreach committee of the International Younger Chemists Network.