About me
Growing up by the ocean in Northeast Brazil, I fell in love with marine life. From observing sea turtles surfacing for air to feeling both in awe and fear at the sight of jellyfish, the sea instilled in me a deep curiosity for the natural world. However, it was the elegant language of DNA, RNA, and proteins – As, Ts, Gs, Cs, Us, codons, and amino acids – introduced in 8th grade, that truly ignited my scientific passion. I knew then I wanted to unravel the secrets of these "invisible molecules" that orchestrate life.
I pursued this passion by earning a B.Sc. degree in Biological Sciences and a Ph.D. in Genetics and Molecular Biology from the State University of Campinas, Brazil. Under Dr. Jorg Kobarg’s mentorship, I studied neglected human protein kinases (NEKs). My research took me to the UK and to Spain, where I investigated NEK protein expression, structure, and their role in DNA damage repair pathways. Beyond the lab, I also discovered a fondness for the UK’s charming countryside, and the lively culture of Barcelona’s Mediterranean shores.
My research path then led me to North America, where I focused on breast cancer prevention at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and regenerative therapies for rare pediatric diseases at Stanford University1. During my postdoc in California, I reconnected with a dormant passion for the sea, which deepened my awareness of climate change and ignited a fascination for marine mammals: the graceful humpback whales, playful otters with their favorite rocks, chattering sea lions, and masterful surfing dolphins.
During my postdocs, I discovered an appreciation for mentoring junior scientists, a transformative experience that inspired me to launch Mentor-Ship. In this project, I share strategies, tools, and real-world insights to foster effective mentoring relationships.
In parallel, I also discovered a passion for scientific writing – crafting grant proposals, writing peer-reviewed articles, and reports for patient-led foundations, bridging science and non-profit organizations. Then, I realized that my diverse research experiences fueled my endless curiosity for a wide range of topics. But with only so much time to study any one subject firsthand, writing became my way to venture beyond the lab. It evolved into a powerful tool for exploring new ideas, connecting with experts, and translating complex scientific concepts into engaging, accessible narratives for diverse audiences.
Now, I am channeling my passions as I embark on a new chapter in scientific communication, writing about career development and various topics in Biology including support for science through science philanthropy and new advances in the field (and you may even see some posts about marine mammals).
I invite you to explore my work and connect with me through the information on my contact page.