Team: Dora Neto

Meet Dora, the GIS expert at Araújo Lab, based at Évora University in Portugal.

Can you share a bit about your academic and research background?

My academic journey is rooted in an almost unlimited curiosity about diverse fields, including the natural world, engineering, and human behavior. I hold a BSc in Zootechnical Engineering (2003), which gave me a solid grounding in animal biology and production systems. My interest in conservation later led me to pursue a postgraduate diploma and an MSc in Nature Management and Conservation at the University of the Azores, Portugal (2007). It was during my MSc that I discovered Geographic Information Systems (GIS), a transformative experience that revealed the power of spatial data in analyzing and modeling complex real-world systems. I realized that nearly everything can be tied to a coordinate, and GIS became a gateway to exploring how systems interact across space. This realization prompted me to earn an advanced diploma in GIS from Instituto Superior Técnico, Portugal (2007), which has since become an indispensable tool in my work.

Alongside my growing interest in statistics, I began tackling professional challenges involving diverse data sources and types, using statistical models to translate complexity into actionable insights. This expertise naturally extended into my research, which evolved as a dynamic interplay of motivations, opportunities, and challenges across fields such as territorial planning, spatial conservation, and climate change. In 2023, I further expanded my analytical toolkit by completing a course on Modern Time Series Methods for Public Health and Epidemiology through the European Educational Programme in Epidemiology. This training enabled me to enter and navigate the field of environmental epidemiology—a discipline that bridges my research interests in spatial systems and pressing public health issues.

On the other hand, my fascination with human behavior and a desire to help others led me to earn a BSc in Psychology from the University of Évora, Portugal, in 2020. I am currently completing an MSc in Clinical Psychology, further deepening my understanding of the human mind and behavior.

While my academic background may appear eclectic, I see it as a cohesive reflection of my diverse curiosities and passion for lifelong learning. Each step has served as a building block, enabling me to approach problems across different areas, often through an interdisciplinary lens

What specific research projects have you been involved with in the past, and what role did you play?

Throughout my career, I have contributed to a variety of interdisciplinary projects addressing critical challenges in biodiversity, conservation, climate change, public health, and GIS applications in policy and territorial management.

For example, as a Technical Researcher on the Biodiversity 2030 – New Agenda for Conservation in the Context of Climate Change project, I conducted spatial analyses and produced thematic cartography to support policy discussions on biodiversity and climate action. Similarly, as a Consultant for the Regional Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change in Alentejo, I performed spatial conservation analyses and investigated the public health impacts of climate change. A key outcome of this work was a study on heat-related mortality in Alentejo, which involved time-series data analysis and predictive modeling of current and future heat-related health risks and impacts. This research was published in BMC Public Health (2024).

Earlier in my career, I contributed to transboundary initiatives, including the INTERREG III ECCOMAP project (2007–2008). In this role, I identified biodiversity hotspots, delineated conservation gaps, and conducted fieldwork—such as bird censuses and radio tracking—to support transboundary environmental management strategies.

What are your primary research interests, and how did you become interested in these areas?

I define myself as an interdisciplinary researcher with a strong interest in leveraging data, GIS, and statistical methods to uncover patterns that inform policies aimed at protecting biodiversity and public health in the face of climate challenges. These interests have evolved organically through my academic and professional experiences, shaped by the challenges and opportunities I’ve encountered along the way, rather than being pre-defined.

What will you be working on in our research group, and what are your goals for this project?

I will primarily focus on advancing interdisciplinary research in biodiversity, addressing the impacts of climate change on species and habitats, and contributing to the development of strategies for climate adaptation. Additionally, I aim to explore related research areas that align with the group’s goals and expertise.

How does your current research align with the overall objectives of our research group?

My work aligns closely with the group’s focus on biogeography, conservation biology, and global change. Through managing databases, applying GIS and statistical analysis, and developing spatial-based products, I aim to contribute to the team’s mission to understand and mitigate the impacts of global change on biodiversity and ecosystems.

Are there any particular challenges you anticipate facing in your current research? How do you plan to address them?

One main challenge is managing the volume, complexity, and scale of data, particularly when integrating diverse datasets across different spatial and temporal scales. To address this, I plan to leverage my expertise in programming, GIS, and statistical modelling to streamline data management, enhance analytical efficiency, and ensure robust interpretation of results.

What skills or knowledge are you hoping to develop during your time in this research group?

Every research project presents unique challenges and technical demands, and throughout my career, I’ve consistently adapted by learning new skills to meet these needs. In the era of big data and artificial intelligence, I am particularly eager to deepen my expertise in programming, database management, and the analysis of large datasets. When used critically and thoughtfully, AI tools have the potential to accelerate my learning process, improve the efficiency and accuracy of my analyses, and ultimately enhance the impact of my work.

Where do you see your research taking you in the next five years?

Over the next five years, I envision myself continuing to contribute to research in biodiversity and climate change while expanding my focus on environmental health—specifically, the impacts of environmental stressors on both physical and mental public health. In addition, having worked on temporary contracts for the past 15 years, I believe my technical and scientific contributions, both past and present, position me to secure a stable research role.

Are there any particular conferences, journals, or professional networks you are keen to engage with through your research here?

I actively follow leading professionals in the fields of GIS, statistical modeling, and data science on platforms such as LinkedIn and ResearchGate. This helps me stay updated on emerging trends, publications, and innovations in these areas. Through this research position, I am particularly interested in engaging with journals such as Biological Conservation, Journal of Biogeography, Global Ecology and Biogeography, Diversity and Distributions, Spatial and Spatio-temporal Epidemiology, Environmental Health and The Lancet Public Health.

What do you think are the most pressing questions or challenges in your research field today?

From my perspective, in a rapidly changing, interconnected, but unequal world, the most pressing questions revolve around understanding the complex interactions between various life systems. With focus on my particular interests, this translates into challenges such as: How do environmental stressors such as habitat loss, degradation of ecosystem services, extreme weather conditions, and air pollution impact human health, particularly in vulnerable populations?

How do you stay updated with the latest developments and research in your area of interest?

As mentioned earlier, I stay updated by actively following leading researchers and other professionals in GIS, statistical modeling, and data science on platforms such as LinkedIn and ResearchGate.

Can you recommend any groundbreaking or influential papers/books in your field that you think everyone should read?

It’s challenging to single out specific sources, as I believe in drawing insights from a wide range of materials to foster a well-rounded understanding. However, one particularly accessible and valuable resource is Statistical Methods for Geography by Peter Rogerson. This book provides clear explanations of statistical methods commonly used in geography and spatial data analysis, making complex concepts approachable without being overly technical. It’s a practical and engaging guide that helps build a solid foundation in the field.

In addition, it would be remiss not to mention the groundbreaking work of Miguel Bastos Araújo and his colleagues, whose research has been a major inspiration since I began my MSc dissertation in Nature Conservation and Management. His contributions to biogeography—particularly in biodiversity and climate change—continue to shape my thinking and approaches to spatial conservation challenges.

Finally, my skills and understanding of environmental epidemiology have been profoundly influenced by the work of Antonio Gasparrini and his colleagues. Their research on statistical modeling and the epidemiological impacts of environmental stressors has significantly shaped my approach to integrating climate data with public health research.

Outside of research, what are your hobbies or interests?

Outside of research, I enjoy immersing myself in books across various genres, with a particular passion for reading and writing contemporary poetry. I also love spending time at home, watching documentaries, series, and films, which often inspire new perspectives and ideas. Photography is another occasional hobby of mine—I enjoy capturing the beauty of natural elements and details, as well as the gestures, movements, and expressions of people. Cooking serves as a creative outlet and a daily way to slow down and quiet my mind. Running is a cherished activity that helps me stay active, clear my thoughts, and recharge—though sometimes, it’s less about recharging and more about discharging! Finally, traveling—even alone—is something I deeply enjoy, though I’ve been doing it far less often than I’d like. It’s a reminder of how much I value exploring new places, cultures, and perspectives whenever the opportunity arises.

How do you balance your research commitments with your personal life?

Balancing research commitments with personal life has been a rewarding yet challenging endeavor, particularly as a mother of two adolescents. Over time, I’ve developed a strong sense of organization and time management to effectively juggle my responsibilities. Prioritizing goals and tasks, setting clear boundaries, and maintaining a flexible yet structured schedule have been key to ensuring that I can dedicate quality time to both my work and my family. While it’s not always easy, this balance has taught me resilience and the importance of adaptability in both my professional and personal life.