Iara da Silva is a PhD researcher at Institute of Astronomy, Geophysics and Atmospheric Sciences, University of São Paulo (IAG-USP). Her research focuses on the impact of emission sources on air quality and the health effects of air pollution.
What advice would you give to other ECRs?
My advice is to stay open to partnership opportunities with other researchers and fields. Good science is not done in isolation, nor is it confined to a specific group. The more people working together and making scientific language accessible, the better.
What are you currently working on?
I am currently finalizing my thesis in the field of modeling, investigating the role of different emission sources on air quality. In addition, I am working on parallel projects in the area of fixed source inventories and epidemiological studies relating kidney diseases to fine particulate matter.
What local challenges do you face, and how do you overcome them?
In Brazil, a career as a scientist is very challenging. It takes years to gain experience in an area, and the investments are not substantial. I’ve thought about moving to another area, but my passion is in research, which is why I look for partnerships and collaboration. And I learn a little bit of everything.
What do you love most about the field?
The possibility of transforming these scientific studies into public policies that directly impact society.
What have been the high points of your career?
Personally, the highlights of my career have been mentoring an undergraduate research student and writing a book chapter in my native language. I greatly value the exchange of knowledge.
What have been the low points of your career?
The most challenging moment by far was when I had to switch research tools during my PhD. I have experience with statistical modeling since my undergraduate studies, but during my PhD, I began working with atmospheric modeling, and it was quite complicated.
What are your career aspirations?
I would really like my scientific work to be converted into practical actions for Brazilian society.
What area of your field do you feel needs more funding and research?
I believe that data collection needs more investment, both financially and in terms of skilled professionals. Creating an emissions source database for Brazil would be ideal to support scenario modeling and health studies.
How do you create a good work-life balance?
For me, it’s important to establish well-defined schedules. When I’m working, I’m fully focused, but I also make sure to set aside time for personal matters and hobbies. I’m always curious about something related to my research field and also about something completely random.