In September 2017, Francisco Sousa began his Integrated Master’s in Micro and Nanotechnology Engineering at the Nova School
of Science and Technology, Nova University of Lisbon. He completed the program in December 2022 with an outstanding average
of 17, achieving a Bachelor's average of 16 and a Master’s average of 18. His academic excellence was recognised with a merit
scholarship from AlmaScience in 2022 for attaining the highest academic average in the final year of the Micro and Nanotechnology
Engineering program.

For his master’s thesis, Francisco developed magnetic scaffolds for localised cancer treatment, utilising the magnetic hyperthermia
properties of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles. Through this project, he gained extensive experience in biofabrication
techniques, particularly 3D paste printing, as well as programming with G-code and using 3D modelling tools. He also developed
strong experience in material and biological characterisation techniques, including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy,
rheological studies, scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis, magnetic
hyperthermia measurements, and cell viability testing.

Following his academic achievements, Francisco expanded his practical experience as a Junior Engineer at Bac3Gel® from May
2023 to July 2024, a start-up specialised in developing artificial mucus models for in-vitro testing of therapeutic molecules
on bacterial communities. His work focused on optimising and developing mucus models, ensuring production quality control
and applying aseptic techniques for sterile mucus model production. He conducted rheological measurements, pH and oxygen profiling,
and handled biological samples and bacterial cultures for complex community growth on mucus models. His contributions played
a key role in the development of the Gut3Beads technology, which is currently on the market.

In September 2024, he joined the Soft and Biofunctional Materials Group at CENIMAT-i3N as a research fellow under the project
"Dynamically responsive micro/nano helical shaped membranes for water droplet collection" (DynaCellCollect - 2022.01619.PTDC).
His research focuses on the development and characterisation of hydromorphic cellulose-based membranes. This project has enabled
Francisco to deepen his understanding of liquid crystal materials and their behaviour while gaining valuable experience in
advanced material characterisation techniques. His ongoing research, under the framework of the DynaCellCollect project, has
been presented at international conferences in both oral and poster formats and will be showcased in two additional oral presentations
by the end of July, underscoring its significance and contribution to the field.

Further demonstrating his commitment to scientific advancement, Francisco attended the 29th Geilo School 2025 – Complex Matter
and AI: Connectivity, Information and Adaption (10–20 March 2025) organised by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology
and the Institute for Energy Technology, where he presented a poster titled "Nature Inspired Cellulose Anisotropic Morphochromatic
Sensor". His presentation earned the best poster award, further recognising his contributions to the field of complex matter.
With a strong foundation in micro and nanotechnology, combined with research expertise and industry experience, Francisco
continues to drive innovation in materials science and engineering.