Lia holds a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Aveiro, obtained in 2010. During her academic tenure, she participated in the ERASMUS program, spending one year at the University of Vienna, Austria, where she specialized in biomechanics. Her master's dissertation focused on the structural analysis of thin-walled multimodular structures, with specific applications in aeronautical engineering.

Following the completion of her master's degree, Lia joined Volkswagen Autoeuropa in the Quality Department and Pilot Plant Department, where she played a pivotal role in the implementation of the defect marking system and contributed to the design and development of automotive equipment and components. In pursuit of further professional and academic challenges, she relocated to Stuttgart to participate in the European Union’s Marie Curie project. Within this initiative, she successfully designed and iteratively developed a cost-effective assistive device for visually impaired individuals, enabling them to interface with computers and sustain their professional careers. Over the course of 17 design iterations, her work was met with high recognition, earning her a formal commendation from the host institution and a recommendation letter highlighting her exceptional contributions.

Upon her return to Germany, Lia expanded her academic horizon by engaging in Corporate Management studies at the Technical University of Munich, subsequently continuing her academic development at ISEG. With extensive professional experience, she later enrolled in the Doctoral Program in Engineering and Management at Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), under the supervision of Professor Margarida Catalão-Lopes, focusing her research on electric mobility. Her doctoral work aims to integrate theoretical advancements with practical applications within the automotive sector, contributing to the evolution of sustainable transportation systems. In pursuit of academic excellence, Lia has successfully completed essential coursework, including Methods and Applications in Economic Analysis (18/20), Strategy and Organizational Development (17/20), Quantitative Research Methods (15/20), and Advanced Econometrics at ISEG.

Lia's professional and academic trajectory underscores her dedication to innovation at the intersection of engineering, sustainability, and management. Her multidisciplinary expertise and international exposure equip her with a unique ability to address complex challenges within the evolving domain of electric mobility and smart transportation. By bridging scientific research with industry applications, she remains committed to fostering advancements that enhance technological integration, environmental sustainability, and systemic efficiency within the mobility sector. Her long-term vision is to contribute to the development of scalable, intelligent mobility solutions that seamlessly integrate with future smart cities, ensuring accessibility, efficiency, and environmental responsibility for generations to come.