Jacky Ho

Dean of the Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences | Associate Professor | Research Coordinator for the Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences | Coordinator of the Macao Observatory for Social Development | Director of the USJ-Kong Hon Academy

Dr Jacky Ho completed his studies in Health Sciences at the Faculty of Medicine and Health from the University of Sydney (Australia), specialized in Gerontology, dementia and sleep science. He established the Department of Innovative Social Work and the Macau Healthy Lifestyle Research Centre, and was appointed as the Head of the department during his service at the City University of Macau. His research interest including 'ageing and health', 'hypertension and CVD', 'chronic diseases prevention and management', 'dementia and social support', 'physical activity', 'sleep physiology and pathology' and 'occupational health and risk'. His current study is focusing on the establishment of community-based telemedicine and chronic diseases management model in Macau and the Greater Bay Area. He has published on international and peer-reviewed journals including 'American Journal of Hypertension', 'Asia Pacific Journal of Public Health', 'Journal of Sleep Research', 'Journal of Women's Health', 'Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology' and 'Journal of Public Health Nutrition', and currently serves as the editorial board member for the Journal of Chinese Life and Death Studies. He has often been invited as keynote speaker at international conferences and symposiums and has served as an expert member on the Macau Social Worker Professional Registration and Licensing drafting committee. Actively participated and served as the Vice President for the Macau Association of Caring For Children, consultant and board member in several organizations including the Macau Social Workers Association, Macau Hypertension Alliance, Macau Alzheimer Disease Association and Hung Wing Sport Association, as well as an life-time member in the Golden Key International Honour Society.

Francisco Botelho

Head of the Department of Social Work | Coordinator of the Master of Social Work | Associate Professor

Born and raised in Macau, Dr. Francisco Botelho started his academic career at the University of Saint Joseph (USJ) in 2005, and is currently the Head of the Department of Social Work at USJ. He holds a PhD in Physiology from the Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine of The University of Hong Kong (HKU), and a M.Sc in Neuroscience from the Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London. Dr. Francisco Botelho received the Best Young Investigator Award for 3 consecutive years (2012-2014) in international symposiums for his work in brain plasticity and GABAergic transmission, and was appointed as Honorary Assistant Professor at HKU in 2014. Currently, his attention focuses on the implementation of the biopsychosocial model in the healthcare system of Macau and the Greater Bay Area, in order to understand biological and psychosocial components of various disorders such as autism and devise effective treatments and therapies.    He is Honorary Advisor of the Macau Society of Registered Psychotherapists, and member of the editorial board of the American Journal of Applied Psychology. 

Karen Tagulao

Head of the Department of Science and Environment | Coordinator of the Bachelor of Biology and Biotechnology | Coordinator of the Bachelor of Environmental Science | Coordinator of the Master of Environmental Sciences and Management | Assistant Professor

Karen Araño Tagulao is an Assistant Professor and the Programme Coordinator of the Master of Environment Science and Management at the Institute of Science and Environment. She also serves as the Chair of the USJ Green Committee. Holding a Bachelor's degree in Biology, a Master's degree in Marine Science (Biology), and a PhD in Science (with a dissertation on seagrass ecology), she currently teaches Science and Environmental Science-related modules and supervises students at the Bachelor, Master, and PhD levels.Actively involved in research, Karen has been a Principal Investigator (PI), Co-PI, and team member in several FDCT projects from 2010 to the present. Her research focuses on the ecology and environmental science fields, with a particular emphasis on marine plants such as algae and mangroves. She leads scientific research projects, conducts science promotion and communication activities with local schools on mangrove ecology and DNA technology, and regularly delivers science and environment-related courses to the community.Her primary research interests includes marine ecology, ecophysiology, population genetics of seaweeds and seagrasses, marine natural products biochemistry, ecology of mangroves, marine pollution, ecotoxicology, and science education. Her current research is concentrated on the role of mangroves as a nature-based solution in climate change mitigation and adaptation, as well as plastic pollution entrapment in Macao. She aims to further develop her research line in the area of environmental and marine ecological monitoring in Macao.Key projectsSponge City Macao: Harnessing Nature for Urban Water Solutions. WASH Foundation. (2026 to present) As PI.Green Shields: Mangroves as a Nature Based Solution for a Resilient Macao. WASH Foundation. (2025-2026) As PI.One Drop at a Time: Exploring Biodiversity in Macao's Urban Wetland Ecosystems and the Role of Water Stewardship. WASH Foundation. (2023-2025) As PI.Wetland ecosystems: a nature-based solution for coastal protection and plastic pollution entrapment in Macao. Clean the World Foundation (2022-2023). As PI.SeaMin – In-situ trace elemental and isotopic constraints on modern seafloor massive sulfide mineralization /.FDCT 0041/2021/A1 (2021-2024), As PI (from September 2024). Wetland ecosystems as a nature-based solution for climate change adaptation and mitigation in Macao. Clean the World Foundation (2021-2022). As PI. PlastiFish: Methods, effects and risk analysis of microplastics in fish production/ 漁類生產中的微塑料檢測方法，影響及風險分析, FDCT-FCT 0004/2019/APJ (2020-2024). As a Member.  Macao coastal zone change and key technologies of space utilization based on land and sea . FDCT- 0011/2021/AFJ (2021-2024). As a Member (with MUST).Nature-based solutions for a cleaner and safer Macao (2020-2021). As PI. The Role of Mangroves on the Bioaccumulation and Citogenotoxic Effects of Heavy Metals and Pesticides on the Food Web of a Tropical Coastal System  . FDCT 117/2014/A3 (2015-2018). As Co-PI. Inventory and assessment of the marine flora of Macau. FDCT 028/2010/A (2010-2012). As PI.

Leanda Care

Head of the Department of Psychology | Coordinator of the Master of Organisational Psychology | Associate Professor

Dr Leanda Care is Associate Professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Saint Joseph, Macau, with teaching and supervisor responsibilities also in the Faculty of Business and Law. Leanda currently holds the appointment of Head of the Department of Psychology. She previously held positions at the university as co-coordinator of the MBA program and founding coordinator of the Career Centre. She holds a first class honours Bachelor of Arts in Japanese and Ethnomusicology from Monash University and an MBA from the Melbourne Business School, the University of Melbourne. Leanda completed her Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Management, Faculty of Business and Economics, Monash University in Organisational Behaviour/Organisational Psychology/International Human Resource Management, focusing the research on the factors that influence the performance of expatriates living in the Special Administrative Regions of China. She has broad experience over 30 years in technical interpreting, International Trade and Shipping within UK, Australian, New Zealand and Japanese corporations and university positions covering administrative, teaching, research and governance roles. Leanda has presented her research at local and international conferences in USA, Australia, Italy, China, Hong Kong and Portugal and has published articles in the International Journal of Human Resource Management, Australian Centre for Research in Employment and Work conference proceedings, the Business as an Agent for World Benefit conference forum, Casino and Gaming International and Inside Asian Gaming magazines and continues to write opinion and analysis pieces for Macau Daily Times and Macau Business Magazine on the Greater Bay Area and Corporate Social Responsibility.Leanda is an award-winning academic reviewer and reviews for IJHRM, Personnel Review and major conferences in her field. She is on the editorial review board of the Journal of Global Mobility and the editorial advisory board of Global Business and Organizational Excellence. She has taught Organisational Behaviour, Industrial and Organisational Psychology, Leadership, Business Strategy and Asian Business at undergraduate and MBA levels in Macau, and International Human Resource Management, International business and Japanese language subjects at Monash University and Swinburne University of Technology at both undergraduate and masters levels.More recently Leanda has been in engaged in grass-roots community development projects building regenerative local food systems, sustainable communities and food security. ORCHIDResearcherID

Alexandre Lebel

Coordinator for the Environmental and Green Action Coordination Entity of the Sustainability Committee | Assistant Research Professor

Alexandre Lebel holds a bachelor's degree in anthropology (Université de Montréal, Canada), a master's degree in environmental sciences and management (University of Saint Joseph, Macao SAR), and a doctorate in education (University of Saint Joseph, Macao SAR) and a doctorate in science (University of Saint Joseph, Macao SAR). Alexandre Lebel is interested in ethnolinguistics, semiotics, and cultural preservation. He wrote his doctoral dissertation on the grammar of Macao Creole Portuguese. He is also a professionally qualified technician (CEGEP Saint-Laurent, Canada) in water treatment technologies, with experience in the public and private sectors. In Macao, Alexandre Lebel participated in several environmental science and education projects concerning aquatic pollution and bioremediation strategies. He wrote his doctoral dissertation on developing the marine medaka as a behavioral model organism for studying fish communication in marine ecosystems.ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0001-6721-7381Scopus ID: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57223930927

Angus Kuok

Coordinator of the Bachelor of Psychology | Coordinator of the Master of Counselling | Associate Professor

Affiliations:Chartered Psychologist, British Psychological Society (BPS)Industrial-Organisational Psychologist, Hong Kong Psychological Society (HKPS)Prof. Kuok received his PhD degree in Psychology from the University of Macau as well as the higher education program in the Universidade de Coimbra and the University of Cambridge. Besides teaching the University of Saint Joseph, He has had teaching and research experience in other international and local higher education institutes, namely, Edinburgh Napier University, University of Macau, Institute for Tourism Studies and Macao Polytechnic Institute. His major research interests are psychology, organizational behavior and management, topics such as satisfaction, commitment and engagement at work, as well as studies related to the hospitality industry and education system at Macao. His current researches are mainly related to resilience and work engagement, occupational health and well-being, public mental health, as well as AI acceptance, usage and learning in social welfare industry. For academic services, he serves as a journal editorial board member of Forum Psychologicum, and a reviewer of various international journals in the field of Psychology, Education and Management, such as Psychology Reports, Journal of Managerial Psychology, Asia Pacific Journal of Education, International Journal of Hospitality Management, International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, Chinese Management Studies, Tourism Management, and Journal of Career Development.  Other activities engaged (selected ones since 2020):Validation of TD-12 Personality Test (Traditional Chinese Version)§ With the Invitation of ChinaSelect (a HR consultant Company in Asia)§ Published by Pearson§ Work as a Co-investigatorGlobal Leadership and Organizational Behavior Effectiveness (GLOBE)§ Examining relationships among societal culture, leadership, and organizational practices around the world§ Work as Country Co-Investigators (CCIs) of MacauPress conference of Depression Screening Macau§ as an organizer and presenter§ prepare the research outputs (see TDM in English; TDM in Chinese; Macau Dioceses in Chinese)§ coordinate the partnership between Hong Kong Mental Health Association and Macau CaritasEffectiveness Evaluation for Casa de Peliseo Sam Meng Chi§ From the magazine of the 35th anniversary of the Macau Association for the mentally handicappedOpinions and Talks in Mental Health Issues under COVID-19§ From Plataforma§ From Macao Monthly§ From TDM talk show

Leona Ng

Coordinator of the Bachelor of Social Work | Coordinator of the Master of Social Work (Mental Health) | Senior Lecturer

A registered social worker in Macau, she graduated from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University with a Master of Arts degree in Social Work, specializing in Family-Based Practice and Family Therapy. She has twenty years of experience in rehabilitation services, serving individuals including intellectually disabled children, adults, and their families. Since 2010, she has served as a part-time internship supervisor for university social work courses, and in 2016, she began working in social work education at the university level.   She has played an active role in the professional advancement of social work within Macao. Serving as a board member of the Macau Association of Social Workers, her most significant achievement was driving the implementation of the social worker registration system, thereby ensuring the effective regulation and continued professional development of practitioners in the territory

Vitor Santos Teixeira

Coordinator for the Service Learning and Outreach Coordination Entity of the Sustainability Committee | Associate Professor

Achieved a Degree in Psychology from the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences of the University of Porto, where I also completed a Master in Psychological Intervention with Children and Adolescents and completed my doctoral studies in Psychology. My major interest research is "Children’s Time Use" which is the topic of my doctoral dissertation completed in 2010. Since 1996 I have been doing psychological intervention with children and adolescents, as a clinical child psychologist, in the Cooperative O Fio de Ariana in Porto, Portugal. After five years of teaching Psychology and Communication Skills at the University of Porto, I am now teaching as an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology of the Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of St. Joseph, Macau. I am handling modules related to childhood and clinical psychology. My other main interest is the theme of disability and inclusion, and I am a co-founder of the “IN-Associação para a Inclusão ao Longo da Vida” (Association for Lifelong Inclusion).ORCID link - https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3969-763X; SCOPUS AUTHOR IDENTIFIER: 57195735171.

André Antunes

Associate Research Professor

I am an Associate Professor at the Department of Science and Environment and the former Dean of the Institute of Science and Environment- University of Saint Joseph. I am an expert in microbiology of marine and extreme environments, specialized in deep-sea and high salinity locations.I did my undergraduate studies in Biology at the University of Coimbra (Portugal), and PhD in Biochemistry (Microbiology) at the same institution. My PhD research work was conducted at one of the most prestigious centers in the field of Microbiology- Lehrstuhl für Mikrobiologie und Archaeenzentrum-University of Regensburg (Germany). My career includes work periods in Europe, Africa, and Middle East. Before my current appointment I had previous faculty positions in Cabo Verde, the UK, and at the State Key Laboratory of Lunar and Planetary Sciences at MUST (Macau), where I was the leader of the Astrobiology Research Group and coordinator of the Astrobiology and Cosmochemistry Experimental Platforms.I have extensive experience with international collaborations, having participated as PI and team member of several projects and having joined and lead several research expeditions and cruises. As part of these, I have previously worked as project manager, being involved in the national and European coordination of the ESFRI EU-funded project MIRRI (Microbial Resource Research Infrastructure), as well as being involved with the ESFRI EU-funded project RItrain (Reseach Infrastructures Training Programme).I've been a consultant and invited committee member for NASA, ESA, and the ESF. I am a former elected member of the Communications Committee of the Microbiology Society, Chair of the Ocean Sustainability Advisory Group and Global Ambassador for Applied Microbiology International, and editorial member for a variety of leading journals.GoogleScholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=blJPHy4AAAAJ&hl=enResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Andre-Antunes-3OrcID: https://orcid.org/my-orcid?orcid=0000-0001-7668-9842Selected research highlights:i) New species and higher-ranked taxa: two new orders, one possible new phylum;ii) Novel characteristics relevant for biotechnology and cellular physiology: New cellular contractility cycle; first Halobacteria preferring anaerobiosis; first prokaryotes accumulating glycerol;iii) -Omics based analysis: first genomics and proteomics studies in deep-sea brines;iv) Microbial and viral communities surveys: first report of virology of deep-sea brines; unique insights into Thaumarchaea;v) Astrobiology: Proposal of new icy moons terrestrial analogue; definition of new model organism; new habitability models for astrobiology; experimental and simulation efforts of exooceans (a Nature 2020 research highlight).vi) Bioprospection: New strains with cytotoxic and apoptotic activity; in silico-based exploration for biosynthetic genes.vii) Contributions to Policy: EU-funded PPOSS project and white book on planetary protection for icy moons; Report of the Committee on Planetary Protection Requirements for Sample-Return Missions from Martian Moons (National Academies and ESF); policy briefing on Marine Microbiomes; policy brief on “Climate Change and Microbiology”.viii) New computer-based and experimental tools: Portal for microbial knowledge exploration; data analysis tool for microbial genomes; database on halophilic archaea, as well as an innovative microbial isolation technique).

David Gonçalves

Associate Research Professor

I am a Biologist with interests in Animal Behavior and Environmental Sciences. My work has been focused on the mechanisms that allow for animals to adjust their behavior to changing conditions of the social environment ('behavioral plasticity'). In particular, I have been interested on the physiological, genomic and neuronal processes associated with behavioral change. More recently, I have been interested in understanding how pollutants may interfere with endocrine and neuronal systems to disrupt natural behaviours, using fish as study models. I concluded my PhD in 2002 in the University of Lisbon and afterwards received Post-Doctoral training at the Eco-Ethology Research Unit of ISPA-IU, also in Lisbon. I was Professor Auxiliar at ISPA-IU from 2003 until 2011, when I joined USJ. I am currently Associate Professor and Dean of the Institute of Science and Environment at USJ.   :: SELECTED RESEARCH PROJECTS 2017:2020 – FIGHT – Hormonal, pheromonal and genomic regulation of aggression in a fish model. FDCT 093/2017/A2. Coordinator. 2014:2017 - DISRUPT-Environmental Endocrine Disruptors: Current Situation in Macao, Neurobehavioral Effects and Bioremediation Strategies. FDCT 011/2014/A1. Coordinator. 2012:2015 - Behavioral plasticity meets neuroplasticity: brain neurogenesis in the polymorphic fish Salaria pavo,  FDCT 012/2012/A1. Coordinator. 2008:2012 - Neuroendocrine mechanisms of reproductive polyphenisms in the blenny Salaria pavo, FCT - PTDC/MAR/71351/2006. Coordinator. 2008:2011 - Alternative reproductive tactics in teleost fish: the peacock blenny (Salaria pavo) as a study model, FCT - PTDC/MAR/69749/2006, coordinator: Rui Oliveira, ISPA. Team member. 2008:2011 - Neuroendocrine control of reproductive behavior in the Mozambique tilapia: mechanisms and effects of the social environment, FCT - PTDC/MAR/72117/2006, coordinator: Rui Oliveira, ISPA. Team member. 2007:2010 - Winners and losers: social modulation of hormones, brain and behaviour, FCT -  PTDC/PSI/71811/2006, coordinator: Rui Oliveira, ISPA. Team member.   :: SELECTED PUBLICATIONS Gonçalves D, Félix AS and Oliveira RF. 2017. Neuroendocrinology of social behavior in teleost fish. In: Hormones Brain and Behavior, 3rd edition (Pfaff D, Joëls M, eds). Elsevier. Vol. 2, pp. 3-18 Cardoso SD, Gonçalves D, Goesmann A, Canário AVM and Oliveira RF. 2017. Temporal variation in brain transcriptome is associated with the expression of female mimicry as a sequential male alternative reproductive tactic in fish. Molecular Ecology. DOI: 10.1111/mec.14408 Cardoso S, Faustino A, Costa SS, Valério F, Gonçalves D and Oliveira RF. 2016. Social network predicts loss of fertilizations in nesting males of a fish with alternative reproductive tactics. Acta Ethologica. DOI 10.1007/s10211-016-0249-9 Gonçalves D, Costa SS, Magda T, Silva H, Inglês M and Oliveira RF. 2014. Oestradiol and prostaglandin F2alpha regulate sexual displays in females of a sex-role reversed fish. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London B 281: 20133070.http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2013.3070. Cardoso, S., Gonçalves, D., Robalo, J., Almada, V.C., Canário, A.V.M. and Oliveira, R.F. 2013. Efficient isolation of polymorphic microsatellites based on length repeats selected in silico from high-throughput sequence data. Marine Genomics S1874-7787. Fagundes, T., M.G. Simões, D. Gonçalves, and R.F. Oliveira. 2012. Social cues in the expression of sequential alternative reproductive tactics in young males of the peacock blenny, Salaria pavo. Physiology and Behavior, 107(3):283-291. doi: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2012.07.011 Saraiva, J.L., Gonçalves, D. and Oliveira, R.F. 2012. Ecological modulation of reproductive behaviour in the peacock blenny: a mini-review. Fish Physiology and Biochemistry. Epub ahead of print May 30, DOI: 10.1007/s10695-012-9658-5 Saraiva, J.L., Pignolo, G., Gonçalves, D. and Oliveira, R.F. 2012. Interpopulational variation of the mating system in the peacock blenny. Acta Ethologica, 15: 25-31. doi: 10.1007/s10211-011-0104-y  Saraiva, J.L., Gonçalves, D., Simões, M. and Oliveira, R.F. 2011. Plasticity in reproductive behaviour in two populations of the peacock blenny. Behaviour 148: 1457-1472 Gonçalves, D., Saraiva, J., Teles, M., Teodósio, R., Canário, A.V.M. and Oliveira, R.F. 2010. Brain aromatase mRNA expression in two populations of the peacock blenny Salaria pavo with divergent mating systems. Hormones and Behavior. 57: 155-161 Gonçalves, D. and Oliveira, R.F. 2010. Hormones and sexual behavior of teleost fishes. In: Hormones and reproduction of vertebrates (D Norris, KH Lopez, eds). Academic Press. Vol. 1, pp. 119-147. Saraiva, J.L., Gonçalves, D. and Oliveira, R.F. 2010. Environmental modulation of androgen levels and secondary sex characters in two populations of the peacock blenny Salaria pavo. Hormones and Behavior. 57: 192-197 Gonçalves, D., Teles, M., Alpedrinha, J. and Oliveira, R.F. 2008. Brain and gonadal aromatase activity and steroid hormone levels in female and polymorphic males of peacock blenny Salaria pavo. Hormones and Behaviour 54: 717-725. Gonçalves, D., Alpedrinha, J., Teles, M. and Oliveira, R.F. 2007. Endocrine control of sexual behavior in sneaker males of the peacock blenny Salaria pavo: effects of castration, aromatase inhibition, testosterone, and estradiol. Hormones and Behavior 51: 534-541. Fagundes, T., Gonçalves, D. and Oliveira, R.F. 2007. Female mate choice and mate search tactics in a sex role reversed population of the peacock blenny, Salaria pavo (Risso, 1810). Journal of Fish Biology 71: 77-89. Gonçalves, D., Matos, R., Fagundes, T. and Oliveira, R. 2005. Bourgeois males of the peacock blenny, Salaria pavo, discriminate female mimics from females. Ethology 111: 559-572.  

Raquel Vasconcelos

Associate Research Professor

I am a biologist with a doctorate degree in Biology (Ecophysiology) obtained through the University of Lisbon (Portugal) and postdoctoral research experience from the Cornell University (USA). I am currently an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Science and Environment currently teaching neurobiology and environment-related subjects. My research interests are animal communication and underlying neuroanatomical and physiological mechanisms. I am especially interested in the mechanisms controlling auditory sensitivity and how changes in the environment (e.g. noise pollution) and aging affect the structure and function of auditory systems and possible physiological adaptations. I have been using the highly vocal Lusitanian toadfish (Halobatrachus didactylus) and, more recently, the zebrafish (Danio rerio) as my model organisms.  My current research lines cover the following topics: 1) development of auditory-vocal systems; 2) hormonal control of auditory sensitivity; 3) effects of environmental stressors (noise) on inner ear anatomy and sensitivity. A parallel project, in collaboration with The University of Hong Kong (Global Night Sky Brightness Monitoring Network), focuses on light pollution in Macau and its implications for local population and biodiversity. I have received several grants from Portugal (FCT, MCTES - SFRH/BM/21774/2005, SFRH/BD/30491/2006) and USA (Grass Fellowship, Grass Foundation, Marine Biological Laboratory; postdoctoral grant, Cornell University), as well as from FDCT, Macau (012/2012/A1; 036/2015/A1). The ongoing research relies on a collaboration with various institutions abroad, namely with the University of Lisbon, Portugal (Fonseca Lab) and the Cornell University, USA (Bass Lab).

Cynthia Leong

Assistant Professor

Prof. Cynthia Sin U Leong Brochado is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at the Faculty of Health Sciences. Born and raised in Macau, she holds a Ph.D. in Psychology, a Master's degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy, and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. Prof. Cynthia has been cultivating her counselling skills and expanding her research knowledge since her time as a research assistant at the Centre for Psychological Research and Practice while pursuing her Master's degree. During her master's program, she not only completed her internship but also provided counselling services to clients from the community, ranging from adolescents to university students and young adults, all under the close supervision of her mentor. She continued practising even after completing her Master's degree. Besides research and practice, Prof. Cynthia also gained valuable experience in NGO in research, the university library, and alumni and student affairs. Prof. Cynthia has been teaching in higher education for over 10 years. During her teaching career, she also participated in the buddy system initiated by the Faculty at that time, where she was assigned to a batch of students to provide support and guidance until they graduated, after which she would be assigned another batch. Additionally, she assisted in organising academic seminars and conferences. Being a full-time lecturer and fully committed to her doctoral studies, Prof. Cynthia resumed her practice after successfully completing her doctoral degree, with more knowledge and life experience, which she believes will benefit her clients even more in counselling.Her doctoral thesis, titled "Young Adults' Use of Electronic Devices in Macao: A Contribution to Understanding Human Beings in the Digital Era," reflects her deep interest in the intersection of technology and human behaviour. She is a member of the Resilience and Optimism Research Group (RORG). Currently, her research focuses on resilience and optimism, parenting styles, mental health and well-being, self-concepts, strengths use, mindfulness, and social media use among adolescents and young adults. Additionally, she is interested in conducting research in the areas of counselling psychology, educational psychology, public health, and mental health.

Helen Liu

Assistant Professor

Prof. Helen Liu is an assistant professor at the University of Saint Joseph, Faculty of Health Sciences in Macau (FHS). She is currently the Research Coordinator for the FHS and the programme leader of the Prison Outreach Programme. She received her MSW from Rutgers University School of Social Work and her Ph.D. from Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service. She is a researcher-practitioner in social work and an associate affiliate of China Center for Social Policy Columbia University School of Social Work in New York City. She serves as an Academic Consultant in the committee of Family Education Group of the Macao Catholic Family Advisory Council.Her work has been supported by the Education and Youth Development Bureau, Social Welfare Bureau, and Macao Foundation. Her research interest is primarily in the area of promoting children and youth health and well-being, with fostering family resilience and developmental outcomes in children and adolescents. She served as Principal Investigator (P.I.) on grants funded of the children, youth, and families. She was a P.I. on the the Needs of Different Stages of Marriage and Family Life Course in Macao, which was to explore the developmental tasks, adjustments to the different stages in their family life cycle so as to identify the social services in the marriage and family sector which may help in the transition from one stage to the other. Since 2022, Prof. Helen has studied the cyberbullying among Youth in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. She was a P.I. on the research project entitled “Youth cyberbullying: Understanding contextual paths to prevention and resilience”, exploring cyberbullying processes in youths, which mainly goes into psychological health and cyberbullying. She is currently a P.I. on the research project entitled” Digital Use Divide, Parenting Strategy, and Cyberbullying” to understand parents’ familiarity with the internet using digital technology affect children’s well-being and to examine how digital technology integrate into family life in meaningful ways and promote parental mediation and parenting strategy.

Jayson Lou

Assistant Professor

Dr. Jayson Lou Chi Kin(BSW,MSW,MBA,PhD.Edu)Dr. Lou Chi-kin completed his PhD in Education at the City University of Macau, with a research topic on Emergin adulthood and maturity development. After graduation, he continued to conduct research in different fields in the direction of adolescent and adult career and talent development. He is currently Programme Coordinator of Master of Social Work of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of St. Joseph. He has also 18 years of frontline social work experience.Since 2005, after graduating from the advanced degree program in social work at Macau Polytechnic University (then Macau Polytechnic Institute), he started his social workers' career in the field include community, youth, on-campus social work services and adults. Career development and other services, he also carried out different services during his work, such as micro-film creation, experiential learning, etc., which were relatively new social work intervention methods at the time, and won the award for the most creative social worker in 2010.Dr. Lou holds two master's degrees at the same time. After completing the supplementary course for the bachelor's degree in social work in 2008, he completed the Master's Degree of Business Administration at the University of Saint Joseph in 2010, with the research topic of social responsibility, and completed The Master of Advanced Social Work at the University of Melbourne in 2024., that he further hopes to introduce knowledge and technology from countries with more advanced social services for the development of social work in Macao.Dr. Lou is currently a member of the Professional Committee of Social Workers of the Macau Special Administrative Region, responsible for the recognition and registration of social work academic qualifications in Macau. He is also a director of the Professional Committee of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Education Collaborative Development of the Guangdong Provincial Education Society and a researcher on responsible management education in China. He is an expert member of the institute committee and the project leader of the Macau Center of the China Institute of Responsible Management Education. He is also the executive director of the Macau Doctoral Think Tank.

Maria Rita Silva

Assistant Professor

Maria Rita Silva's (Assistant Professor, Ph.D. Human Resources Management and Development, Master of Social and Organisational Psychology ISCTE- Lisbon University Institute) major research interests include organisational justice and power dynamics within organisations, cross-cultural psychology and management, employee well-being, and sustainability. Prof. Maria Rita teaches the Bachelor of Psychology, Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy, and Master of Organisational Psychology, modules mainly related to Statistics, Cross-cultural Psychology, and Organisational Psychology.

Thomas Lei

Assistant Professor

PERSONAL INTRODUCTIONI am an environmental scientist and an expert on air quality modelling and monitoring. I have completed my doctoral degree in Science from University of Saint Joseph and Environment and Sustainability from Universidade NOVA de Lisboa. Over the past years, I have taught classes in the undergraduate and postgraduate levels at the Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences (FHES) at the University of Saint Joseph (USJ). In addition, I have been an invited speaker to give a lecture in a workshop co-organized by Sustaincia and Hong Kong Data Lab. Furthermore, I have been an invited speaker to share my experience in sustainable career in Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum & Exhibition (MIECF). Being fluent in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese, I believe it would add great values to my teaching and research. In addition, I have been giving interviews to the media in Macau about my research and the issues of air quality in Macau, which included TDM Canal Macau, TDM Radio Macau, Macau Business, Hoje Macau, Jornal Tribuna de Macau, Macau News, and Plataforma Media. I have also attended a variety of international conferences in Portugal, Germany, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and Macau to present my research in both oral and poster presentation. My doctoral dissertation, “Air Quality Management in Macao – Assessment, Development of an Operational Forecast, and Future Perspectives,” examines the air quality trends in Macau and develop an air quality forecast for Macau in collaboration with the Macau Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG).Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=nGJybHsAAAAJ&hl=enResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Thomas-Mt-Lei ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7726-8820SCOPUS: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57903812200 ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES·      Peer Reviewers of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (IJERPH), MDPI·      Peer Reviewers of Atmosphere, MDPI·      Peer Reviewers of Energies, MDPI·      Peer Reviewers of Air, MDPI·      Peer Reviewers of Sustainability, MDPI·      Peer Reviewers of Sustainable Cities and Society, Elsevier B.V.·      Peer Reviewers of Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health (AQAH), Springer AG·      Peer Reviewers of Journal of Cleaner Production, Elsevier B.V. INVITED SPEAKERSTitle: “Green Public Transport Industry Forecast”, The 2nd China (Macau) New Energy and Smart Transportation Trend Development Forum, co-organized by Nam Kwong International Conference and Exhibition Co. Ltd, China National Machinery Industry International Co. Ltd, and SustainciaTitle “Sustainable Career and Air Pollution”, co-organized by Sustaincia and 2021 Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum & Exhibition (MIECF 2021)Title “Macao Air Quality Forecast Using Statistical Methods”, co-organized by Sustaincia and Hong Kong Data LabTitle “Air Pollution in Macao”, organized by Macao Association of Environmental Protection Industry and 2019 Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum & Exhibition (MIECF 2019). PUBLIC RELATIONS AND MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS·   Interviewed 25+ times by broadcasting and printed media·   List of Media Agencies (including TV and Radio Interviews) o   TDM Canal Macau o   TDM Radio Macau o   Macau Business o   Hoje Macau o   Jornal Tribuna de Macau o   Macau News o   Revista Macau o   Southern Finance o  PLATAFORMA Macau

Stella O

Senior Lecturer

Ms. Stella O is a registered social worker in Macau with nearly fifteen years of distinguished experience in the social service sector. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from Hong Kong Baptist University and currently serves as a Senior Lecturer at the University of Saint Joseph. Previously, she contributed her expertise as a lecturer at the City University of Macau and as internship supervisor at Macau Polytechnic University. Her professional journey includes roles as a social worker and unit supervisor in substance addiction services, where she skillfully integrates Narrative, Empowerment, and Strengths-based approaches in her frontline interventions.

Shek Kiu Chan

Emeritus Professor

Academic QualificationsPh.D (Biochemistry) : University Louis Pasteur of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, FranceMBA : University of East Asia (now University of Macau), Macao, ChinaBAS (Bachelor of Administrative Studies): York University, Toronto, CanadaB.Sc. (Biology) : Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, ChinaRelated Working ExperienceProfessor and Chairman of Biology Department, Chu Hai College, Hong KongPostdoctoral work in Department of Molecular Biology, University of California, Berkeley, USA; Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Medical Centre, Houston, Texas, USA; Cancer Research Laboratory, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, CanadaRetired professor (Chemistry): University of Macau, Macao, ChinaResearchResearch InterestsEnvironmental ProtectionEnvironmental ManagementChinese medicinal herbsTraditional Chinese medicineMangrovesAlgaeRecent Research Projects1.Chinese medicinal herbs of Macao2. 2010-2012.Tagulao K (PI) and Chan SK (Co-PI). Inventory and Assessment of the Marine Flora of Macao. FDCT, reference 028/2010/A.3. 2010. Tagulao K (PI) and Chan SK (Co-PI). DNA technology workshops for secondary school students. FDCT, reference 028/2010/P.

Andreia Ramos

I am a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Institute of Science and Environment, University of Saint Joseph (Macau), specialising in marine biology, with a focus on bioacoustics, behavioural physiology, and the impacts of environmental change on aquatic organisms. My research centers on understanding how anthropogenic noise alters fish behavior, communication, hearing, and endocrine responses, contributing to broader questions of sensory ecology and aquatic conservation. My academic path began at the University of Porto, where I completed a BSc in Aquatic Sciences and an MSc in Marine Science – Marine Resources. I later obtained my PhD in Biological Sciences at the University of Saint Joseph, investigating the physiological and behavioral consequences of artificial selection for aggression in Betta splendens (Siamese fighting fish). This work deepened my interest in the hormonal and behavioral mechanisms underlying social interactions and animal communication. Over the years, I have participated in several international and multidisciplinary projects. My technical expertise includes underwater acoustic recording and analysis, behavioral assays, endocrine profiling, and electrophysiology. My current and future research interests lie at the intersection of acoustic ecology, aging, behavior, and conservation, with a particular emphasis on how soundscapes shape aquatic life.

Manuel Sapage

I hold a degree in Environmental Biology and a master’s in Conservation Biology, both from the University of Lisbon. In April 2023 I completed my PhD in Biodiversity, Genetics and Evolution (BIODIV) with Distinction and Honors. My doctoral research focused on the evolutionary consequences of mate-choice copying in spatially structured populations, using individual-based models. Mate-choice copying is a mechanism of non-independent mate-choice, where individuals adjust their mate preferences based on the choices of conspecifics. In June 2025 I started as Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Institute of Science and Environment under the guidance of Prof. David Gonçalves to work with the effect of the gut microbiota on the development of social behaviour in fish. This project is under the Funding Scheme of Macao for Science and Technology R&D Talent from the Macao’s Science and Technology Development Fund (FDCT).   Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, University of Lisbon, Portugal – External Collaborator (https://www.ce3c.pt/research/research-groups/evolutionary-perspectives-in-a-changing-world/local-adaptation-in-drosophila/manuel-antonio-pinto-sapage) Personal Webpage https://sites.google.com/view/sapage Lab Webpage https://www.fishbehavlab.org/team/manuel.php Research interests: Animal Behaviour; Behavioural Ecology; Social Learning; Cultural Evolution; Sexual Selection Web of Science Researcher ID: JAX-7166-2023 (https://www.webofscience.com/wos/author/record/JAX-7166-2023) ORCID: 0000-0002-3007-6482 (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3007-6482) SCOPUS ID: 57193953889 (https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57193953889) Google Scholar ID: 9hJLKI4AAAAJ (https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=9hJLKI4AAAAJ&hl=en) Ciência Vitae: 101F-D092-4845 (https://www.cienciavitae.pt//pt/101F-D092-4845)

Vasana Jinatham

I am a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Saint Joseph in Macau, China, and hold a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from Mae Fah Luang University, Thailand. My research focuses on microbial diversity and ecology with a specific interest in microbiome studies that integrate human, animal, and environmental. My research focuses on microbial diversity and ecology, with a specific interest in microbiome studies that integrate human, animal, and environmental health through a One Health framework.  My current work investigates the gut-brain axis using small fish models, employing advanced sequencing technologies and bioinformatic analyses to characterize host-microbe interactions.   My expertise encompasses the morphological and molecular identification of prokaryotic (bacteria) and eukaryotic (protists, fungi) microorganisms from gut and environmental samples. I specialize in analyzing the diversity and prevalence of gut microbiota across different hosts, as well as conducting phylogenetic analyses of microbial communities from various ecosystems. ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6139-4734

Cristina Calheiros

Adjunct Researcher (Visiting Academic)

Cristina Calheiros graduated in Environmental Engineering and holds a PhD in Biotechnology-specialization in Environmental Science and Engineering from Portuguese Catholic University-ESB. Her internship was at Imperial College of Science Technology and Medicine-UK in collaboration with Slater (UK) Limited-Environmental Biotechnology, under the scope of phytoremediation of an organic and metal contaminated sediment and soil. She was Post-Doctoral researcher at Centro de Biotecnologia e Química Fina with Aarhus University-Denmark collaboration, on the subject: wastewater treatment with biological systems using constructed wetlands applied to tourism facilities. Currently she is researcher ar CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre for Marine and Environmental Research of the University of Porto. She was Invited Assistant Professor at UCP in several courses related to environmental engineering and biotechnology such MSc in Environmental Eng. (curricula, pedagogic materials and coordination) and at Escola de Tecnologia e Gestão Industrial-Porto and AESBUC-UCP (2002-2012). She develops and active role in Science-Technology-Society communication through dissemination in short courses, exhibitions and multimedia channels. CCalheiros daily supervised and oversee several students (Post-doc, Master, graduated and pedagogic projects, traineeship and international programs). Has several papers published in peer reviewed international scientific journals, book chapters, papers in technical-scientific journals and in proceedings (international and national scientific meetings), besides several poster and oral communications. She was finalist on COHiTEC program (training program in technology commercialization aimed at supporting the valuation of knowledge produced at R&D institutions), with two projects, Soil remediation through biomass production and Greenhouse produced truffles. The latter was first prize winner of BES Innovation Awards 2009–Biotechnology and Agroindustry. Also, was selected to participate on the use of wetlands in water pollution control course (SOAS-International School of Aquatic Sciences-Denmark). CCalheiros has integrated several Thematic Networks such EU-COST:859/837/831, International Water Association and ANCV-national green roof association. Has participated in the preparation of candidature as PI and integrated as team member and researcher in projects such: related to wastewater management, pytoremediation and treatment solutions (PRIMEn.º70/00298-2008, POCI/AMB/60126/2004, POCTI/CTA/39111/2001), green roofs in urban areas (SFRH/BPD/80885/2011), sustainable tourism and rural development (2001/EQUAL/A2/EM/077, 24298/QREN/SI) and upgrading wastes from food production (FP6-CT-2005-514049).

Ágata Alveirinho Dias

Adjunct Researcher (Visiting Academic)

Ágata Dias holds a PhD in Geology, specializing in Mineralogy, Crystallography, and Metallogeny, as well as an MSc in Dynamic Geology. Her scientific interests encompass mineralogy, petrology, geochemistry, and marine geology, with a specific focus on deep-sea hydrothermal systems and ore deposits. Since 1996, she has actively participated in research projects related to deep-sea exploration and the study of mineralogy, geochemistry, and ore-forming minerals. Upon joining the ISE, she has also engaged in environmental projects.In addition to her research activities, Ágata Dias has collaborated with various universities and research institutions worldwide. These include IFREMER in Brest, France; ETH in Zurich, Switzerland; NOC in Southampton, UK; the University of Bergen in Norway; FCUL in Lisbon, Portugal; GIGCAS and the State Oceanic Administration (SOA) in China, specifically the SIO (South China Sea Institute of Oceanology) and SIO (State Key Laboratory of Marine Geology). She has also participated in several scientific cruises. With over 20 years of academic experience, Ágata Dias worked as an assistant and auxiliary professor at ULHT and as an invited auxiliary professor at FCUL, both in Portugal, until she joined ISE-USJ in 2012.Postdoctoral experience:2011-2012 Post-doc on the seafloor hydrothermal systems and associated ore deposits in the Portuguese EEZ and adjacent areas. CREMINER/LARSyS Laboratory of Robotics and Systems in Science and Engineering. FCT: SFRH/BPD/68648/20102010-2011 Post-doc on the geochemistry and mineralogy of new Arctic deep sea Hydrothermal system. - Ultra-slow spreading and hydrogen-based deep biosphere Jan Myen and Loky’s Castle hydrothermal fields. H2deep project/ EUROCORES Program – EuroMARC - European Science Foundation (ESF) No. ERAS-CT-2003-980409 of the European Commission: EUROMARC/0001/2007/ H2DEEPMore info here: http://ise.usj.edu.mo/people/agata-alveirinho-diasResearcherID/Publons: ABI-6221-2020 ; ORCID ID: 0000-0003-3026-7366 ; SCOPUS Author ID: 49061005200 ; Research Gate: Ágata A Dias; Ciência ID F318-B7C4-F8CCRECENT RESEARCH PROJECTS:SeaMin – InSituMin projectIn-situ trace elemental and isotopic constraints on modern seafloor massive sulfide mineralization – 现代海底块状硫化物成矿作用的原位微量元素和同位素限制 FDCT File No.: 0041/2021/A1, 2021-2024 (Principal Investigator)SWIMAR – The role of ultramafic-hosted hydrothermal systems in the formation of seafloor deposits: comparison between SWIR and MAR fields/超基性岩系海底熱泉系統於海床熱液礦床扮演之角色:以 SWIR 及 MAR 熱泉系統相互比較為例. FDCT File No.: 002/2018/A1, 2018-2021 (Principal Investigator).SMSMOR – Seafloor Massive Sulfides Resource along Mid-Ocean Ridges. InterRidge Working Group (team member)Mag.I.C. – Petrology and Geochemistry of Igneous Rocks from Macao: Implications for the Crustal Evolution of Southern China. FDCT File No.: 043/2014/A1, 2015-2018 (Principal Investigator).BLUE MINING – Breakthrough Solutions for the Sustainable Exploration and Extraction of Deep Sea Mineral Resources. FP7 (7th research framework programme), EU Research Projects. Proj. ref.: 604500, 2014-2018 (team member).