Hidden hunger, an unexplained nutrient deficiency, is a relatively recent phenomenon. Despite the extensive industrialization of food, it’s estimated that at least 3 billion people worldwide have either an iron or zinc deficiency.

Felipe Ricachenevsky, a biologist at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, is working on developing a strain of rice enriched with these two nutrients. He earned his master’s and doctorate degrees in cell biology from UFRGS and served as a visiting researcher at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland. He also completed a post-doctorate at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire, United States. Felipe discovered his passion for DNA manipulation at a young age while watching the movie Jurassic Park, and his fascination grew through his biology classes at school. A book enthusiast, Felipe also enjoys creating his daughter Maya’s favorite games.