A school trip to the Science Forest in Manaus sparked a lifelong passion in young Lydiane. It was there that she discovered her calling as a forest engineer. Today, this Amazonian scientist is a driving force in the field, using artificial intelligence to identify the most viable seeds of native Amazonian forest species for biome restoration. Her dedication to this work has been a constant in her academic career: a degree in forestry engineering from the Federal University of Amazonas, a master’s in tropical forest science from the National Institute for Amazonian Research, and a PhD in forestry from the Federal University of Viçosa, an institution she discovered through her love of music while performing with her band.

Lydiane never gives up the bass. Whether rocking out with her punk band or jamming at home, her bass guitar’s deep, scratchy notes are always playing. This love of music is shared with her daughter, who joins her in impromptu jam sessions. Currently, Lydiane continues her vital research at the Amazon Native Seeds Center.