Maria Firmino

Event planner, Scientist, Student

I’m a Biochemistry PhD student that refuses to be just that. From a very early age, I started to work and know the world in different positions. In fact, I think that makes me who I am. I started to work for necessity, in customer service but I was also involved in solidarity projects in Latvia and Portugal. After my graduation, I started my scientific path. During these years, I looked for self-finance and was involved in several scientific projects within Inorganic Biochemistry and NMR Lab. I performed my Master's thesis in two labs, promoting their collaboration for the first time, and now I am conducting a PhD, following the same project. However, I never stopped to be only a scientist. I was always involved in science communication projects, volunteer projects, events organization and being part of the Covid task forces during the pandemic. I am passionate about learning new skills and improving myself. I always take the wheel of the adventure and, in the end, a home message, that makes me better.

To be a scientist, it is really important to be passionate about it. It is amazing to check the craziest ideas that can be developed and promote world improvement. However, I am starting to get really passionate about being an event planner. I like to create new partnerships, go beyond the public's expectations, and make a successful event.

In my opinion, one of the best ideas worth spreading is the one that makes you realise there is no right way to guide life. For my generation, which faced some modifications regarding the way how to conduct adult life, it is essential to see that there are no rules for success, only hard work and a little bit of luck. People showing that humour is important in a corporate world, procrastination can be useful, or that is possible to have information saved in bacteria DNA are mind-changing ideas and make the world wonderful.

Biochemistry, Microbiology, Molecular Biology

My TED story started during graduation, where Professors showed some TED Talks to motivate the students to be better. I kept following the videos but never had the opportunity to be in a TED or TEDx event. Now, I will try to bring a TEDx event for our University community. It will be a new adventure, where my passionate for event planner will be essential.

I'm good at solving problems, and being there for my family and friends for all kinds of issues, solving their problems as well. I am also good in keep contacts.