With a background in both oceanography and geology, I identify myself as a coastal scientist. Since my PhD in nearshore sediment transport, I’ve been dedicating myself to the study of coastal dynamics with a focus on wave-related processes by using numerical models to evaluate natural hazard scenarios. During my recent experience, I was able to develop technical skills as well as sensitivity to the potentialities and limitations of process-based models. Being aware that models are nothing more than approximations of reality has always helped me on this journey. By joining HAEDES, I aim to use my expertise to help further understand changes in the coastal environment and to support the development of strategies and solutions inspired by nature able to mitigate current coastal threats.