Silvana is a PhD student in space immunology at SCK CEN aiming to understand how radiation interacts with biological matter, especially the immune system. She has over 10 years of experience as a radiation therapist, working in different oncology centers and hospitals in Portugal and Belgium. Silvana also holds a Master's degree in molecular medicine and oncology from the University of Porto, where she conducted research on mitochondrial DNA and radiation-induced bystander effects. Her goal is to contribute to the development of countermeasures and therapies for astronauts and patients exposed to ionizing radiation.