Bárbara is currently working as a clinical research engineer in the first-in-human clinical trial of a novel microwave device for breast cancer detection, at the Clinical Research Facility Galway, NUIG. Besides her clinical work, Bárbara regularly collaborates with the team at the Translational Medical Device Lab on research projects, with a particular interest in oncology quality of life devices.

Bárbara completed her PhD in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the National University of Ireland Galway in 2018; her thesis focused on the development of an automated breast cancer diagnosis system based on machine learning dedicated to microwave technology. Bárbara also holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering from FCT NOVA University of Lisbon, which she completed in 2010 and 2012 respectively. The Master’s degree was focused on breast cancer detection with a dedicated breast-PET system – a project developed within the framework of a European Consortium on the topic (Crystal Clear Collaboration).

Bárbara has received several national and international awards including the Best Engineering Paper at the UL-NUIG Annual Research Day 2016, 2nd place at the 2016 Irish National Thesis in 3 Competition and travel grants in 2017 and 2018 to visit and collaborate with research groups in Canada and in Portugal.