Fernanda Antunes Carvalho’s journey to becoming a scientist was greatly influenced by her childhood experiences in both the rural areas of Minas Gerais and the urban environment of Belo Horizonte. Her adventures swimming in lagoons, exploring forests, and climbing trees fostered a deep connection with nature and ignited her curiosity to unravel its mysteries. Fernanda pursued her passion for biology at the Federal University of Minas Gerais, further specializing with a master’s degree in botany from the National Institute for Amazonian Research in Manaus. She expanded her academic horizons internationally, earning a doctorate in natural sciences from Ludwig Maximilians University in Germany and completing a post-doctoral period at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. Her research focuses on the critical issue of bee extinction, analyzing bee pollination patterns to contribute to potential solutions. Outside of her professional life, Fernanda dedicates time to her young daughter and finds balance through yoga and meditation.