Sofia Branco holds a PhD in Environmental Sciences, a B.Sc. in Environmental Biology (FCUL, UL) and a M.Sc. in Medical Parasitology (IHMT, UNL).
Is currently conducting research on the chemical ecology of the eucalyptus weevil (Gonipterus platensis) an insect pest of eucalypt plantations and western conifer seed bug (Leptoglossus-occidentalis) a cone and seed insect pests of Pinus pinea in Portugal.
Key interests are in the research of insect behavioral responses and their parasitoids, to semiochemicals and volatile organic compounds released by the host plants and conspecifics, in order to develop innovative biotechnical approaches for the control of insect pests and on the development of analytical methodologies with emphasis on sample preparation, Gas Chromatography, and Mass Spectrometry.
Previously integrated a group of researchers on the project “Coping with alien pests in citrus and eucalyptus: implementing best strategies plant system models”. During this period was mainly responsible for reviewing the economic valuation studies of invasive alien species impacts on eucalyptus stands and citrus orchards ecosystems and constructing a framework for both ecosystems services valuation.
