Joana Rodrigues

My personal journey keeps teaching me to look at the natural world with increasing wonder and respect. This passion has led me into the study and practice of Biology, specifically the plant world, into the Sustainable Agricultural sector. 

I consider myself an eternal student - of Life and it's fascinating subjects. Starting with Biology (the science of Life) I am now studying and practicing Ayurveda (the eastern - Indian -  Science of Life and Longevity). I seek to hold a holistic and systematic approach in my work for the health of our inner and outer ecossystems.

On the side, I am passionate about languages, and different cultural environments, which has made me learn different languages, and working a translator on the side of my natural sciences pursuits. 

Translator - Freelancer 

June 2020 — now

Working as a Portuguese-English, and English-Portuguese translator for Manz Produções and Manz Wine.

Several different projects in the fitness sector - Les Mills training programs; and wine sector (branding, product marketing, magazines...).

Agricultural Processes and Development Technician – Herdade das Barrocas, Estremoz

March 2021 —April 2022

Working to optimize all biotic and abiotic conditions along all stages of cannabis cultivation, to obtain the highest quality flowers for medical usage. 

Responsible for the management and operation of Priva Office: an indoor climate control software and DSS, based in precision agriculture principles. Data analysis for the continuous improval of the growing process, and energy efficiency standards. 

Agricultural Technician; Research and Development at Holigen – RPK Biopharma, Aljustrel

June 2020 — November 2020

Working at an outdoor medical cannabis facility. Experience in all stages of production: from propagation to harvest. Activities included cloning, plantation, irrigation and fertilization, pruning, defoliation, harvest and processing, as well as IPM scouting. R&D: election of the most promising Cannabis phenotypes, as well as its propagation. 

MSc. in Sustainable Agriculture, University of Padova, Padova, Italy

September 2017 — December 2019

Grade achieved: First Class with honors (110 cum laude). Thesis and publication: " Phytomanagement of Chromium-Contaminated Soils Using Cannabis sativa (L.)” - published in Agronomy magazine in August of 2020.

Erasmus Semester, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria

September 2015 — February 2016

Bachelor in Biology , FCUL - University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal

2013 — 2017

Specialization in Evolutionary and Developmental Biology. Areas of expertise include: Developmental Biology, Animal and Plant Physiology, and Genetics