As part of her doctoral training, Rafaela spent a year as a Visiting Doctoral Researcher at the University of Birmingham (UK), where she researched the impact of different endodontic protocols on dentin structure and the antimicrobial efficacy of root canal sealers.
Currently, Rafaela is a lecturer at the University of Leeds, a globally recognised institution consistently ranked among the top UK universities (2022–2024 rankings). She also holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice in Higher Education from the University of Edinburgh, reinforcing her dedication to excellence in dental education and academic practice.