Climate change research also involves developing new ways to interpret the signals that these changes leave in the natural world. Geologist Vinícius Ribau Mendes is a creative researcher who uses sediments stored at the bottom of the ocean to understand how global warming has affected ocean currents and rainfall in South America. Outside the lab, he is also a creative builder, making everything from musical instruments to pizza ovens. Although he has considered himself a geologist since childhood, he formally graduated with a B.A. in geology and later an M.A. and Ph.D. in geosciences from the University of São Paulo. His project focuses on the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), a powerful ocean current that plays a major role in rainfall patterns in Latin America. Outside the lab and classroom, his love for the water remains strong, especially as the father of Cauê and Artur. Whenever he has free time he heads to the shore to dive, paddle or surf.