Joana Barrelas is a Pre-Award Officer at CERENA Research Unit, Instituto Superior Técnico. Joana holds a degree in Architecture (2008), a M.Sc. in Construction and Rehabilitation (2012), and a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering (2024), from Universidade de Lisboa. Joana worked in architecture practice for more than a decade, focusing on the design of public buildings and rehabilitation projects. Her main research interests are related to building durability and its relation to climate change. Joana became increasingly interested in environmental causes and sustainable development. Motivated to acquire new skills and support researchers working in critical fields, Joana transitioned towards science management and is currently deepening her knowledge through postdoctoral activities within CERENA’s Pre-Award office.