Ana Paula Assis
Life Sciences
Biologist Paula Assis’s research blends science and culture, focusing on the beloved orange thrush, a songbird celebrated in Brazilian music, from the words of Gonçalves Dias to the verses of Chico Buarque and Patativa do Assaré. The project uses quantitative genetics, genomics, and network theory to understand the evolutionary success of the orange thrush in urban environments.
With a degree in biological sciences from the Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, this scientist also holds a master’s and Ph.D. in genetics from the University of São Paulo (USP). She has completed three postdoctoral fellowships, two at USP and one at the Montana University System in the United States. In addition to her demanding research career, she is a mother of two and an aspiring marathon runner.
Projects
Urbanization is a major threat to wildlife worldwide, and Brazil is no exception. As forests are transformed into cities, many species struggle to survive. However, some survive and thrive in this altered landscape, like the orange thrush. This project investigates how natural selection and adaptation contribute to the success of this species in urban environments. We will use quantitative genetics, genomics, and network theory to unravel the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon. Our findings will illuminate the thrush’s success and explain why other species fail to adapt to urban environments. This knowledge can inform public policy and guide the development of greener cities that better support biodiversity.
