The STEM Demystified Digital Portal is now live, a new home for real STEM stories made for teachers, educators, and curious young learners. Built to make STEM feel closer, friendlier, and genuinely possible, the portal brings together global role‑model stories, interactive exploration, and classroom‑ready inspiration. It’s a growing resource designed to help children see themselves in STEM, and to give educators an easy way to bring real‑world representation into lessons. Explore the portal at stemdemystified.com.
Welcome to another edition of STEM Demystified, a project aimed at tackling the under representation of women in STEM. This weekly newsletter showcases how women are conquering science, technology, engineering, and mathematics worldwide.
Today, our STEM role model is Fabiola Amorim. Born in Brazil, she developed an interest in STEM disciplines from an early age. Fabiola attained a BSc in Civil Engineering, and her passion for environmental sciences shaped her career. Since 2002, she has been working with meteorological and oceanographic data, including descriptive statistics and Lagrangian numerical modelling. In 2011, she earned a DSc degree in Physical Oceanography from the Oceanographic Institute of São Paulo, Brazil. Following that, she completed two postdoctoral research projects in Brazil and Portugal. She currently works as a Research Assistant at CIIMAR – Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research in Portugal.
Fabiola may not know this, but she was my first female role model. I met her while working towards my BSc in Oceanography at university. Her coding skills, personality, and ability to lead field trips truly inspired me, and I would probably not be where I am today without her influence. Now, let’s get to know her story.
What was your trajectory from school to where you currently are professionally or academically?
I started my studies to become a Civil Engineer but ended up shifting my focus to Environmental Engineering. My interest in this area led me to seek training in marine sciences, and I discovered physical oceanography, which became my passion. Subsequently, I completed my Doctorate in Physical Oceanography, further deepening my interest in marine sciences, where I continue to work today.
What motivated you to get into STEM? Did you have a female role model or anyone who inspired you? If so, who?
From an early age, I was interested in STEM disciplines, which led me to choose Engineering. At university, I learned about new fields with different challenges, which increased my passion for science and drove me to seek new professional paths. Along the way, I met several professionals who showed me that I was capable of learning and developing more complex skills and facing new professional challenges within Marine Sciences. One of them was Professor Zelinda Leão from UFBA (Federal University of Bahia, Brazil), a passionate female professional who is a global reference in coral reef studies.
What’s your most important professional or academic achievement?
I developed and coordinated a project in my area of expertise, applied to my hometown. This study allowed me to address previously unexplored questions and involved Oceanography undergraduate students, enhancing both my teaching and research skills.
Did you face any challenges throughout your professional or academic journey? How did you overcome them?
I faced several challenges that required problem-solving and coordination skills. I overcame them by compartmentalizing each problem/action and focusing on solutions, eventually integrating the final results.
In your opinion, what needs to be done to attract more women into STEM?
STEM sciences should be introduced to girls from an early age in a natural way, as is often done with boys. The belief that STEM fields are for men needs to be demystified, as many capable and qualified female professionals exist. Who doesn’t know Marie Curie’s trajectory?
What advice would you give to anyone considering a career in STEM (or those who do not yet consider it)?
Do not feel cornered or unmotivated by the large number of men in this area. If you have passion and interest, follow it, because what truly matters in science is excellence and dedication.
In reflecting on Fabiola Amorim’s journey, it’s clear that her story is a beacon of inspiration for women in STEM. From her early days in Brazil to her significant contributions in oceanography, Fabiola’s path demonstrates that with passion, determination, and the right role models, women can excel in any field.
Her journey underscores the importance of early exposure to STEM and the need to demystify the
misconception that these fields are male dominated. Fabiola’s tenacity in pursuing her passion, despite numerous obstacles, highlights the importance of resilience and dedication in achieving professional success. Her innovative approach and steadfast commitment to marine sciences have not only advanced her field but also provided invaluable mentorship to aspiring scientists.
Her advice to follow your passion regardless of gender barriers is a powerful reminder that excellence in science knows no gender. It is essential to foster an inclusive environment where women are encouraged and supported to pursue STEM careers.
Let Fabiola’s story inspire us to break boundaries, support one another, and continue to strive for excellence in STEM. Together, we can build a future where women and men contribute equally to scientific advancements.
