Cosmic rays, one of the most intriguing mysteries in science, are a common occurrence. Despite their frequency, physicists have yet to fully understand their origin, although they have managed to describe several of their characteristics. Rita de Cássia dos Anjos, a scientist with a keen interest in this field, is determined to unravel this mystery. Rita holds a degree in biological physics from Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, along with a master’s and doctorate in physics from the University of São Paulo. She broadened her knowledge during a post-doctoral stint at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. Inspired by her mother, who emphasized the importance of understanding the workings of the world, Rita has dedicated her life to scientific exploration. When she’s not in the laboratory or teaching at the Federal University of Paraná, she enjoys cycling around the city in the early morning hours, while everyone else is still asleep.