Maria João Oliveira is a PhD Assistant Researcher at the Institute of Sociology of the University of Porto (IS-UP), in scientific managment functions. She holds a First Degree (2009) and PhD (2014) in Sociology - specialised in Inequalities, Culture and Territories - by the Faculty of Arts and Humanities of the University of Porto (FLUP). Her research interests include the study of migrations, religions, and the processes of social inclusion and development, with a particular focus on vulnerable populations and/or those at risk of social exclusion.