Fabiola grew up in Brazil with an early interest in science. She first studied to become a Civil Engineer, the kind of engineer who designs and builds things like bridges and buildings. But while at university, she discovered a new passion: the science of the ocean.
Fabiola switched her focus to Environmental Engineering and then to Physical Oceanography - the study of how the ocean moves, including its currents, waves and temperatures, and how this affects our climate. She went on to complete a doctorate in this subject and later carried out research projects in both Brazil and Portugal, where she now works at a marine and environmental research centre.
“If you have passion and curiosity, that’s what truly matters - follow it, and let your excellence speak for itself.”
Along the way, Fabiola met inspiring scientists, including a professor who is a world expert on coral reefs, and who showed her that she was capable of tackling complex scientific challenges. One of Fabiola’s proudest achievements was leading a research project in her own hometown - something that let her give back to the community she grew up in, while also teaching and mentoring university students.
Fabiola has faced plenty of challenges in her career, often working in fields where men outnumber women. Her approach has been to break big problems down into smaller pieces, focus on solving each part, and then bring everything together - a skill that’s useful far beyond science!