CHERYL MARIE CORDEIRO | view CV

Born in Singapore with a Eurasian heritage of Portuguese and Chinese ancestry, my journey has taken me from the vibrant city-state of Singapore to the serene landscapes of Sweden and beyond. My academic path began in Singapore, where I earned a Master of Science in Information Studies from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and a Master of Arts in English Language from the National University of Singapore (NUS). In 1999, I represented Singapore at the Miss Universe Pageant in Trinidad and Tobago, a unique experience that led to ambassadorial work with the Singapore Tourism Board.

In 2002, I moved to Sweden to pursue a PhD in applied linguistics at the University of Gothenburg. My doctoral research examined cultural and managerial dynamics in Swedish-Asian corporate relations, blending critical discourse analysis with cross-cultural business strategies. This foundation allowed me to bridge academia and industry, shaping my approach to international collaboration and research-driven solutions.

I am currently a Senior Scientist at RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, where I specialize in EU project coordination, circular economy solutions, and sustainable water systems. My work focuses on developing and managing large-scale, cross-border projects that align with EU environmental and climate policies, including the EU Green Deal and Horizon Europe research priorities. Collaborating with international consortia, I lead initiatives in circular economy, nutrient recovery, and sustainable resource management. Since joining RISE in 2022, I have co-led multiple EU-funded projects, securing over €21 million in funding, including CiNURGi, iCOSHELLs, and FERTITEC.

My role also extends to research and policy engagement through networks such as EU Interreg BSR, the European Sustainable Phosphorus Platform (ESPP), Mission Soil, and EUSBSR (EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region). In 2025, I was assigned a water portfolio focus, aligning my work with EU water-related directives, circular water management, and sustainability-driven innovations in resource efficiency.

Prior to my current role, I spent several years in Northern Norway, living in Tromsø from 2018 to 2022. As a Market Scientist in the seafood industry at Nofima, I worked on sustainable seafood value chains, market access, and food safety policies. Living in Tromsø, often called the “Paris of the North,” offered a unique perspective on Arctic life, from the midnight sun to the northern lights, all of which became an integral part of my experiences and writing.

In these pages at cmariec.com, you’ll find reflections on culture, travel, food, and sustainability, shaped by my professional and personal journeys across different landscapes and disciplines. Whether it’s exploring the Nordic seasons, revisiting Southeast Asian culinary traditions, or engaging in discussions on circular economy and sustainable living, I continue to find inspiration in the dynamic interplay of nature, heritage, and innovation.

Cheryl Marie Cordeiro | PhD MSc MA
ACADEMIC REFLECTIONS | CV
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