Maria do Mar holds a degree in Sociology and a Master’s in International Studies from ISCTE, and a Master’s in Interdisciplinary European Studies with a major in European Public Affairs and Policies from the College of Europe, as well as a postgraduate course in European Union Law from the University of Coimbra. Throughout her academic journey, she gained experience through internships at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Action, the Center for International Studies at Iscte, and the Embassy of Portugal in Belgium. In addition to Portuguese, she is also proficient in English and French.