Clara Ferreira, a neuroscientist at the Champalimaud Foundation, shares her experience in science and offers simple but important advice for women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
During the month of March, the FCCN Unit joins the GÉANT campaign #WomenInSTEM, presenting, in an interview, the opinions of several guests in the STEM fields.
CF: My name is Clara Ferreira (CF) and I am a neuroscientist at Champalimaud Foundation.
– When and why did you become interested in STEM? Was this your dream as a child/teenager?
CF: From a very young age, I was fascinated by animal behavior, but I can't say I knew right away that I wanted to be a scientist. First, I taught and only then did I delve 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 potential 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.
