I am a research strategist and data analyst, supporting teams to move research and data through complex projects and into action.
Much of my work has involved operating between teams — researchers, data specialists, practitioners, decision-makers, and end users. In that role, I have often seen strong teams and robust evidence struggle to move forward. This is rarely a question of rigour. More often, it is because the human dimension matters: evidence needs to be shaped for its audience, the channels they use, and the realities they work within.
My work focuses on closing that gap. I listen first, understand context, and then shape research, data, and communication so they support real decisions, real timelines, and real people. The aim is always the same: to make research and data usable where decisions actually happen.
I work professionally in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese, with experience communicating in additional languages in field and intercultural settings. This allows me to work effectively across disciplines, sectors, geographies, and diverse audiences.
Project design, grant writing, donor coordination, and delivery.
Communication strategies, campaign support, and development of policy-relevant content.
Data analysis, monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL), and insight generation.
Science–policy support, international collaboration, and evidence-informed decision-making.
Stakeholder mapping, consultation, and multi-actor facilitation.
Training, learning programmes, and institutional capacity strengthening.
Research on how climate and food security early warnings are communicated, interpreted, and used by pastoralist communities in the Horn of Africa.
Development of an open-access dataset integrating field data, stakeholder input, and applied analysis for sustainable rangeland management.
Baseline and feasibility assessment for an ICT-based solution to improve avian influenza awareness and biosecurity among smallholder poultry farmers.
Development of evidence-based advocacy training materials supporting civil society engagement in extractive industries and the green economy.
Feasibility study assessing plant phenolic compounds as sustainable feed additives to reduce methane emissions and provide antimicrobial alternatives in UK livestock.
Climate-resilient agriculture project transforming bush encroachment into sustainable value chains including animal feed, mushrooms, and fencing materials.
I start by understanding the system in which evidence is expected to operate — who is involved, how decisions are made, and where constraints or breakdowns occur. This includes working with researchers, technical teams, decision-makers, and end users to clarify needs, timelines, and points of friction.
The aim at this stage is to ensure research and data are aligned with real decision-making processes from the outset.
I work with research and data to structure, analyse, and synthesise information so that priorities are clear, comparable, and usable. This may involve data analysis, indicator development, or the design of analytical frameworks that support monitoring, reporting, accountability, and strategic choices.
Evidence is shaped not for publication alone, but for use — often through dashboards, briefs, fact sheets, or reporting tools designed to fit specific decision contexts.
Alongside analytical work, I design communication and engagement outputs that help different audiences understand and use evidence without losing rigour. This includes visual explainers, short videos, written products, and campaign materials developed from the same underlying data.
I support learning and adaptation over time by strengthening feedback loops between data, decisions, and outcomes, ensuring evidence continues to inform action as contexts evolve.
Through consultations and participatory workshops with farmers, practitioners, and local stakeholders, I ensure that data, tools, and communication outputs reflect real needs and can be used beyond the project lifecycle.
My intercultural and multilingual experience supports effective collaboration in technical environments, helping align data, analysis, and communication with both international requirements and local realities.
I combine data analysis with clear communication to turn complex evidence into practical tools, narratives, and materials that support decisions, learning, and accountability.
My work contributes to projects that link climate, food systems, livestock, health, and energy through applied systems and One Health approaches, grounded in field engagement and delivery experience.
I regularly deliver talks, training, and policy dialogues in multiple languages across different countries and international settings. Browse the gallery below for selected examples.
Flags indicate the language of delivery
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I work professionally in English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, and Italian, regularly presenting, facilitating, and producing written materials across these languages. I also have professional knowledge of German and a working knowledge of Turkish. I am a recognised hyperpolyglot and member of the Hyperpolyglot Association, enabling effective cross-cultural communication beyond translation.
Hear from the professionals and organisations we've supported
Working with Maria has been a wonderful discovery: a dynamic and enjoyable professional experience, without ever losing sight of a single detail. We organised the 5th ACESDA Annual Forum together in 2025 in Luanda (Angola), and I can say that Maria, with her enormous capacity to adapt and her agility in moving confidently between institutional and academic environments, is a versatile, flexible and highly effective professional. She is able to work with rigour and ease in several languages – including Portuguese – which made the work much easier, more efficient and more professional. Thank you, Maria!
I can only have words of gratitude towards Maria. Her performance in communication was excellent. Besides, she played a key role in helping us coordinate and manage many activities: scientific forums, awards, funding calls, reports, and many more. We are happy to renew our contract with her for another year of outstanding service.
Her multilingual facilitation and rigorous yet approachable style made our multi-country workshop a success. Participants left with clear next steps and renewed momentum — something that rarely happens in international settings. Highly recommended.
Maria's blend of scientific depth and practical communication skills transformed our dataset into a compelling narrative for donors and partners. The materials she produced continue to open doors for us. A true professional.
Despite a strong technical and academic background, my work has never been driven by technical considerations alone. Early in my career, I came to understand that even the most robust evidence does not create change unless it is grounded in context, language, and lived experience.
Learning to listen — carefully and without preconceptions — has been one of the most challenging and meaningful lessons of my career, and it continues to shape the core of my work.
