Astrobiologist of the Month
Every month we feature two astrobiologists from around the world. Our aim is for everyone to get to know each other, connect and network. If you would like to be featured, let us know here.
January
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✉️ aline12 [at] ov [dot] ufrj [dot] br
🌎 Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
ALINE NOVAIS
she/her
“I am a Brazilian astronomer and astrobiologist working on characterizing exoplanet atmospheres, using data from Hubble Space Telescope and James Webb Space Telescope. I completed my Bachelor's and Master's degree in Valongo Observatory (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). I am soon to complete my PhD in the same institute, in partnership with Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (Germany), and will be joining Lund University (Sweden) as a postdoctoral fellow. I am also actively doing science communication on social media, especially in Portuguese, to help encouraging other Brazilian students to choose the same academic path.”
Position
PhD Student of Astronomy at Valongo Observatory (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro)
Career Pathway
Bachelor (Valongo Observatory, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro)
Masters (Valongo Observatory, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro)
PhD (Valongo Observatory, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, in partnership with Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich)
Research Topics
Exoplanets, Exoplanet Atmospheres, Atmospheric Characterization, Transmission Spectroscopy
Why did you decide to become an Astrobiologist?
My parents are biologists, and I always admired and pursued this career path as well. Until the day I learned you could get an astronomy degree in an university in Brazil! You see, this is not common knowledge, as we grow up thinking astronomy only exists at NASA 😅 haha. So, about one year into my bachelor studies, I took a course in astrobiology. After that, my pathway was right there in front of me: I decided to bring back my interest in biology, and combine it to my current interest in astronomy. In summary: it was the "best of both worlds"!
What advice would you give to students looking for graduate/postdoc positions?
1) Your mental health is your #1 priority. If you wish to apply for a specific institute or group, make sure you are applying to a healthy environment, where you will be fully respected. Sometimes it's best to choose another pathway, if that means preserving your mental health;
2) Let yourself be known. Attend conferences, seminars, and don't be afraid to talk to people (especially in your field). Let them know about your work and your interests. This will probably help you in the future.
What do you wish you knew at the beginning of your academic journey?
I am very happy with my current career path, but if I had to change something... I wish I knew the 2 pieces of advice mentioned above.