With an academic career that began in biological sciences at the Federal University of Campina Grande, Emanuelle Brito pursued a master’s degree in zoology at the State University of Feira de Santana and achieved a doctorate in ecology and evolution at the Federal University of Goiás, which included a period of research at the University of Oregon, in the United States. Her project focuses on preserving pollinator species: bees, butterflies, birds and bats. How can changes in the habitats of these animals impact food production and ecological balance?

Originally from the backlands of Paraíba and daughter of an agronomist and a teacher, the biologist confesses that her roots were fundamental in her academic career. The resilience of the dry forests that surrounded her childhood is one of the characteristics that Brito insisted on maintaining, and that influences her work. Brito returns to her homeland whenever possible to reconnect with her family and her grandmother’s affection, manifested mainly in constant prayers and pumpkin and coconut sweets. The scientist is a mix of serenity and vigour, who likes to read poetry to soothe her peaceful soul but also channels her energy into physical activities such as orienteering, trail running and weight training, always accompanied by the immersive sound of Zé Ramalho and Chico César.