I am a Group Leader / Associate Professor at the Institute of Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London. I have been studying stem cell and cancer biology for the past 18 years and am fascinated by how cells interact with each other, to deliver instructions, to collaborate, migrate, compete or synchronize their actions. My current research interests span from basic discovery science to translational approaches in regenerative medicine. My lab focuses in two main questions: (1) understand how tumour genetic and subclonal heterogeneity regulates tumour microenvironment and metastasis in oral cancer; (2) dissect the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in wound healing of the oral mucosa, a tissue with rapid and scarless healing when compared to skin. To address these questions, my multidisciplinary lab combines leading edge tools in single-cell and spatial transcriptomics and proteomics, integrative genome analysis of tumour evolution, organoids culture, multiplex imaging analysis and application of artificial intelligence methods to map the cellular heterogeneity, behaviour and gene expression. This research has broad translational applications: (1) understanding tumour heterogeneity and evolution will lead to improved strategies for early diagnosis and will help guide treatment decisions and patient management; (2) the identification of stromal signatures in scarless tissues will offer an exciting strategy to improve skin wound healing. In addition to building a reputation for high-quality research, I am also very engaged into science outreach. I am a STEM ambassador and often visit schools and host school visits in the lab. I am also a Native Scientist and member of the EuroStemCell Network, and created a podcast about the actualities of stem cell research (‘StemCells@Lunch digested’) and pedagogic tools for stem cell research awareness. More recently, I collaborated with artists to create art installations (Stem Cell Hotel) at Somerset House in London (http://www.wattlab.org/utopia.html), and with school teachers to develop Art&Science projects (www.sequeira.science/agar-art).I am a team leader in technical and scientific environments. Result- and people-oriented, I love creating bonds between people. I have a proven track record as a pluridisciplinary team leader and manager. I consider myself a dynamic, passionate but pragmatic, creative-minded manager; I turn everyday challenges into beautiful opportunities.