Thamyres Sabrina Gonçalves is descended from the Xacriabá indigenous people, originally from the north of Minas Gerais, and is also the granddaughter of the black warrior João Boagente. Ancestry is a constant presence in your life. Sofia’s mother, she credits indigenous wisdom with her perception of every child as the responsibility of every adult, as is customary among indigenous peoples.

Gonçalves began her journey as a geographer at the State University of Montes Claros, moving on to a master’s degree in conservation biology and forest science at the Federal University of Vales do Jequitinhonha and Mucuri, where she also obtained a doctorate in plant production. Her work transcends the academic boundaries of phytogeography, pedology and ecology. Analyzing microcoal traces from forest islands in the peatlands of Serra do Espinhaço, the scientist reconstructs the image of forests of the past and their connections with the forest of the present and of human occupation in this territory since time immemorial.

In addition to research, she teaches, always defending anti-racist and collaborative science, focused on bringing more black and indigenous women to the forefront of scientific studies. Outside the academic perimeter, she finds her essence in reading and writing, playing chords on the guitar and playing handball. The geographer is also part of the Maria Cecília Black Women’s Collective.