My name is Dragana Barros. I am a researcher and bioengineer with waste experience in industry and scientific research. Almost 20 years of my scientific career have combined the development of upstream and downstream bioprocesses for aroma compounds and biopolymer synthesis and nanocarrier design for the cosmetic and pharmaceutic industry. Protein and reactor media engineering were part of the skills developed during projects related to biosynthesis. In my next professional step, I moved to the downstream process. I established a new semi-empirical model based on continuous electrostatics to improve the purification of therapeutic and industrial globular proteins in aqueous biphasic systems and optimize the purification process. Furthermore, I have strong knowledge and skills in cell/tissue engineering, developing 3D human skin models to test the product's safety for topical application. My active involvement in national and international collaboration projects has marked my career. I have mentored PhD, MSc, and graduation projects in bioprocess and nanotechnology engineering, demonstrating my commitment to fostering the growth of future talents in the field. Before my academic career as a scientist, I gained five years of industrial experience in the QC and management sectors related to the polymer industry. I am an inventor with a granted national patent (WO2021137711/2020) in biodegradable polymer synthesis due to a successful collaboration with the University of Lisbon. I have also been a team member in several entrepreneurship programs, where I have contributed to testing the economic values of my scientific output. My strong collaboration skills have been helpful in these endeavours, and I am always eager to learn and adapt to new challenges.