Daniel’s main research interest lies in the dynamics of agenda-setting: why some issues are seriously considered by the government, whereas others are disregarded, not discussed, and not voted on.

More specifically, his research focuses on public policies relating to gender, seeking to reveal the dynamics behind the inclusion and exclusion of gender-related bills in the Brazilian Congress’ agenda.

Daniel's master’s dissertation, which explores the reasons behind the approval of Brazil’s gender quotas, was nominated for one of the most prestigious Social Science early career awards in Brazil. Some of these results are published in a collection of studies on the Brazilian electoral quotas.

His doctoral thesis, 'Agenda Gatekeepers: Policy Processes, Gendered Institutions and Status-Quo Maintenance', explores the dynamics of resistance against gender-related bills within the Brazilian legislature, and is supervised by Rosalind Shorrocks, Georgina Waylen, and Lotte Hargrave.

Daniel also conducted fieldwork in the Brazilian capital, in cooperation with the University of Brasília and under the supervision of Michelle Fernandez.