Nina is passionate about animal conservation, with a special appreciation for armadillos, and other species considered less charismatic. She decided to become a biologist when, at 9, she learned there were people whose job was to be around animals.
Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Nina has a Ph.D. in Ecology and Conservation from the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul and a master’s degree in Ecology from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. With over 15 years of experience in ecological studies and conservation initiatives, Nina has worked in most Brazilian biomes, from the Atlantic Forest to the Pantanal wetlands passing through the Cerrado savanna and the Amazon.
Her post-doctoral studies at the University of Florida were focused on understanding how field ecology courses could be restructured to increase diversity among future ecologists. She transferred this knowledge to her previous role with the Giant Armadillo Conservation Program at ICAS, where she helped build a bridge between academic research and conservation practice, and developed training programs for future conservationists.