Ana de Faria
Science Communicator
Greetings! I’m Ana, a dynamic Brazilian-Canadian science communicator with a flair for crafting engaging narratives through the art of writing, visual design, and dynamic presentations. My expertise extends to exhibit designs and digital communications, where I specialize in breaking down complex scientific concepts to captivate diverse audiences.
As a staunch advocate for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility in STEM, I bring a unique perspective to my work. Equipped with a Master’s in Science Communication from Laurentian University/Université Laurentienne, I’m not just a communicator—I’m a trained scientist with an M.Sc. in Plant Biology and a Ph.D. in Plant Physiology and Biochemistry from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG – Brazil). My educational journey also includes a Bachelor of Education in Sciences and Biology from the Federal University of São João del-Rei (UFSJ – Brazil).
While my specialization lies in plant biology, ecology, and the natural environment, my pen has danced across topics as diverse as astrophysics and meteorology. In essence, I’m ready and open to tackle any STEM subject.
Beyond the written word, I am a seasoned presentation coach. I’ve guided graduate students through 3-minute thesis competitions and supported health professionals in delivering captivating TED Talks-like presentations.
My commitment extends to STEM Outreach and Education, where I’ve designed and delivered in-person and e-workshops for broad audiences.
Let’s connect and bring your scientific narratives to life!
Portfolio
Science Writing
Since 2020, I’ve volunteered as a writer for the Royal Canadian Institute for Science (RCIScience). In the 100 Lives of Insulin project, I crafted eight compelling biographies. I’ve also contributed two articles to the RCIScience Magazine. It’s been an inspiring journey, weaving science narratives that resonate with curiosity and engagement.
100 Lives of Insulin
Since its discovery, insulin has changed the lives of millions of people around the globe. For many, it is the therapy that keeps them, or someone they love, alive. For others, it improves the lives of their patients, or illustrates the reasons why research into treatments and cures is critical.
Throughout history and even today, insulin continues to have an indelible impact on our world. Discover stories of how the discovery of insulin has affected people — and how it continues to drive change – in 100 Lives of Insulin.
RCIScience Magazine
Starting in 2018, RCIScience magazine is the first physical publication of the Royal Canadian Institute since Special Places was published in 2000. Most of the articles in the magazines were written by students or recent graduates who attended RCIScience events. This annual publication is a benefit of membership and summary of our program year.
Digital Communications
Coming soon…
Visual Designs
Coming soon…
Academic Writing
Throughout my academic journey, I made valuable contributions to science, unearthing discoveries that paved the way for the publication of eleven peer-reviewed scientific papers and four insightful book chapters. Notably, some of these contributions materialized more recently, post my career switch in 2021. Despite stepping away from academia and transitioning into science communication, I take great pride in my modest yet impactful contributions to the advancement of plant sciences.
Peer-Reviewed Papers
- Ferreira AM, de Faria AP, Vasconcelos HL, Bruna EM, Costa VE, Moreira ASFP (2024) Does chronic nitrogen deposition have effects on grass physiology of natural habitats? South African Journal of Botany, 165: 339-348. DOI:10.1016/j.sajb.2023.12.044
- Pereira BG, de Faria AP, Kuster VC, Moreira ASFP (2023) Effect of seasonality on the leaf phenology and physiology of Byrsonima species (Malpighiaceae). Revista de Biología Tropical, 71: e50344. DOI:10.15517/rev.biol.trop..v71i1.50344
- Santos GF, Kuster VC, Silva AFM, de Faria AP, Moreira ASFP (2021) Changes in colour during leaf development of Eugenia uniflora (Myrtaceae): different strategies for integrity conservation of the photosynthetic apparatus. Australian Journal of Botany, 69(4) 247-257. DOI:10.1071/BT20145
- Bordignon L, de Faria AP, França MGC, Fernandes GW (2019) Osmotic stress at membrane level and photosystem II activity in two C4 plants after growth in elevated CO2 and temperature. Annals of Applied Biology, 174(2): 113-122. DOI:10.1111/aab.12483
- Ferreira BG, Oliveira DC, Moreira ASFP, de Faria AP, Guedes LM, França MGC, Álvarez R, Isaías RMS (2018) Antioxidant metabolism in galls due to the extended phenotypes of the associated organisms. PLoS ONE, 13(10): e0205364. DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0205364
- de Faria AP, Marabesi MA, Gaspar M, França MGC (2018) The increase of current atmospheric CO2 and temperature can benefit leaf gas exchanges, carbohydrate content and growth in C4 grass invaders of the Cerrado biome. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, 127: 608-616. DOI:10.1016/j.plaphy.2018.04.042
- de Faria AP, Fernandes GW, França MGC (2015) Predicting the impact of increasing carbon dioxide concentration and temperature on seed germination and seedling establishment of African grasses in Brazilian Cerrado. Austral Ecology, 40(8): 962-973. DOI:10.1111/aec.12280
- de Faria, Fernandes GW, França MGC (2015) Physiological approaches to determine the impact of climate changes on invasive African grasses in the savanna ecoregion of Brazil. Environmental Earth Sciences, 74(4): 3077-3088. DOI:10.1007/s12665-015-4343-5
- Silva GA, Ramos FT, de Faria AP, França MGC (2014) Seeds’ physicochemical traits and mucilage protection against aluminum effect during germination and root elongation as important factors in a biofuel seed crop (Ricinus communis). Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 21: 11572-11579. DOI:10.1007/s11356-014-3147-6
- de Faria AP, Lemos-Filho JP, Modolo LV, França MGC (2012) Electrolyte leakage and chlorophyll a fluorescence among castor bean cultivars under induced water deficit. Acta Physiologiae Plantarum, 35(1):119-128. DOI:10.1007/s11738-012-1054-3
- Campos WG, de Faria AP, Oliveira MGA, Santos HL (2008) Induced response against herbivory by chemical information transfer between plants. Brazilian Journal of Plant Physiology, 20(4): 257-266. DOI:10.1590/S1677-04202008000400001
Book Chapters
- Moreira ASFP, de Faria AP, Lima JF (2020) Ecofisiologia de plantas do Cerrado: sobrevivência em um ambiente com alta sazonalidade hídrica, pouca disponibilidade de nutrientes e sob a ação do fogo. In: Vasconcelos HL (ed.). Ecologia e Conservação dos Cerrados, Campos e Florestas do Triângulo Mineiro e Sudeste de Goiás. 1st ed. Universidade Federal de Uberlândia. p. 243-256. ISBN: 978-65-86084-16-0. DOI:10.14393/UFU-978-65-86084-16-0 (in Portuguese)
- Valle ELV, Fagundes AC, Viana JVA, Kuster VC, de Faria AP (2018) Plasticidade fisiológica e morfológica de Aspidosperma macrocarpon Mart. em duas fitofisionomias de Cerrado. In: Baronio GJ, Moura RR, Stefani V & Oliveira PE (eds.). Curso de Ecologia de Campo 2017. Regência e Arte Editora. ISBN: 978-85-93598-17-3 (in Portuguese)
- de Faria AP, de Fátima A, Benedito VA, Modolo LV (2011) Plant Cell Culture and transgenic Plants: The Goldmines for the Production of Compounds of Pharmacological Interest. In: Brahmachari G. (ed.). Bioactive Natural Products. World Scientific. p. 631-654. ISBN: 978-981-4335-37-9 (hardcover), ISBN: 978-981-4462-29-7 (ebook). DOI:10.1142/9789814335386_0014
- Braga MR, Simões K, Dietrich SMC, Modolo LV, de Faria AP (2011) Soybean as a model to study defensive responses enhanced by fungal elicitors, nitric oxide and elevated CO2. In: Maxwell JE (ed.). Soybeans – Cultivation, Uses and Nutrition. 1st Edition. Nova Science Publisers, Inc. p. 445-454. ISBN: 978-161-7617-62-1
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The process of photosynthesis is so important and so complex that some of its phases are still not completely understood. Many scientists have helped us understand what we know so far, and many others are still making discoveries in the field. Here, we are going to see thirteen of the experiments that helped us unravel… Read more
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Plants are autotrophic organisms, that is, able to make their own food. To do so, they use sunlight, water (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2) present in the atmosphere. This process is called photosynthesis. Photosynthesis made the existence of life on Earth possible. By making photosynthesis, plants produce sugars, which serve as their food and also… Read more
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Ana de Faria 