I hold a BSc and MSc in Agronomy from the Moscow Agricultural Academy (now Moscow Agrarian University), completed between 1989 and 1993. In 1994.  In 1994, I worked as Chief Agronomist in Angola before pursuing a PhD in Biology (Plant Physiology) at the Institute of Plant Physiology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, which I completed in 1998.In 1999, I joined the National Marine Research Institute in Luanda—now the National Institute for Fisheries and Marine Research (INIPM)—as a researcher, and later undertook postdoctoral studies at the University of Lisbon (1999–2002). 

I returned to Angola in 2003 to continue research at INIPM until 2009, before moving to the Ministry of Science and Technology as a consultant. Six months later, I was appointed National Director for Science and Research, a role I held until 2017. In 2017, I became Secretary of State for Science, Technology and Innovation, serving until 2022. Afterwards, I led the Luanda Science Centre as Director General until 2024.

Alongside these roles, I have been a Lecturer in the Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, at Agostinho Neto University since 2010. Throughout my career, I have consistently strengthened my skills through specialised training and internships.

Given my academic background, leadership experience, and long-term involvement in science policy and management, I chose the Executive MBA at UniAthena to enhance my strategic, managerial, and financial expertise. This program is a key step in updating my competencies and positioning me for senior leadership roles such as Executive Consultant, CEO, or Senior advisor, where I can combine scientific expertise with effective organisational leadership.

I am most excited to strengthen my understanding of strategic decision‑making, corporate finance, and organisational leadership in complex, fast‑changing environments. I look forward to exploring how data‑driven management, financial strategy, and innovation leadership can be integrated to drive sustainable growth and effective governance at the executive level.

After completing my Executive MBA, I aim to advance into senior leadership or advisory roles, contributing to strategic decision‑making, organisational transformation, and financial planning. By combining my scientific background with advanced managerial and financial expertise, I plan to lead complex projects, drive sustainable growth, and promote evidence‑based governance across both private and public sectors.

I manage my studies with careful planning and discipline, organising my schedule to balance study, work, and personal life. Applying what I learn in real time enhances both my professional performance and academic progress.

A challenging goal I set for myself was leading a complex project that required coordinating multiple teams under tight deadlines and limited resources. I created a clear plan, delegated responsibilities effectively, and maintained constant communication with stakeholders. Completing the project successfully taught me the value of strategic planning, adaptability, and strong leadership in demanding situations.

From my experiences, I have learned that discipline, adaptability, and resilience are essential qualities for achieving success. Equally important are strategic thinking, effective communication, and collaboration, which enable leaders to guide teams, solve complex problems, and deliver results in challenging situations. I also value a continuous learning mindset, as it allows me to integrate new knowledge and skills to drive both professional and personal growth.

In my previous role, I was asked to temporarily lead a Research Institute while also serving as National Director of Science and Research. The team’s performance was low, with limited focus and understanding of how to achieve results under challenging conditions. 

I began by listening to their perspectives, conducting targeted capacity‑building sessions, and assigning clear tasks with defined outcomes. Within six months, performance improved significantly, projects were delivered on time, and the team became more effective and motivated. 

This experience taught me that leadership often requires stepping outside your comfort zone, fostering collaboration, and guiding teams with clarity and empathy.

I would recommend How to Relate to Yourself and Others: Practical Psychology for Every Day by Nikolai Kozlov (originally published in Russian, 1994 edition). The book offers practical insights into self‑awareness, interpersonal relationships, and everyday psychology. 

Its guidance on understanding oneself and interacting effectively with others makes it universally relevant, helping readers cultivate emotional intelligence and stronger connections in both personal and professional life.

My dream job is a senior leadership or advisory role where I can shape strategy, drive organisational transformation, and support evidence-based decision making. I am motivated by the opportunity to combine my scientific expertise with managerial and financial skills to lead complex projects and deliver measurable impact.

I would advise professionals starting their careers to embrace continuous learning, remain adaptable, and step beyond their comfort zones. Achieving this calls for a growth mindset, skill application and approach corporate responsibilities with integrity. 

Building strong relationships, understanding diverse perspectives, and developing both technical and leadership abilities early on are key to long‑term achievement.