Mafalda holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Madeira and is pursuing a Master’s degree in Regional and Local Studies at the same institution. She has field experience verifying cochineal (Dactylopius coccus) presence and occurrences along the distribution of Opuntia, as well as studying its pollinators. Her scientific interests include the history of science, Dactylopius coccus, and the history of Madeira. She is also a volunteer at the UMaCI insect collection.