Clara Ferreira, a neuroscientist at the Champalimaud Foundation, shares her journey in science and leaves a simple but important piece of advice for women in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
During the month of March, the FCCN Unit is joining the GÉANT #WomenInSTEM campaign, interviewing several female guests in the STEM fields.
CF: My name is Clara Ferreira (CF) and I'm a neuroscientist at the Champalimaud Foundation.
- When and why did you become interested in STEM? Was this your dream as a child/teenager?
CF: I was fascinated by animal behavior from a very early age, but I can't say that I knew right away that I wanted to be a scientist. First I taught and only later I threw myself into the world of research and neuroscience.
- How does your work contribute to science, innovation and knowledge creation? How does your work impact the world?
CF: I study group behaviors, specifically, how in the presence of a threat, for example, a possible predator, we detect cues from other animals to determine whether we are in danger or safe.
- What inspiring message or advice would you give to young girls interested in a career in STEM?
CF: Look for good mentors and colleagues, our mutual support is very important.
