Interview „Overcome challenges by thinking outside the box“

Interview series "Introducing People@BAM"
Dr. Andressa Adame, Process Analytical Technology Division

Andressa, tell us a little bit about yourself. What did you do in "your life before BAM"?

Hallo! My name is Andressa, and I am from Brazil. Before BAM, I obtained my Bachelor's in Chemistry at University of São Paulo with an emphasis in biotechnology and agroindustry. I later obtained my master’s degree and Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry with a focus in environmental and agricultural applications at the Center for Nuclear Energy in Agriculture (CENA), which is a specialized institute that is part of University of São Paulo. In my master’s studies, I worked with instrumentation and automation. More specifically, I worked on the development of an automated acute toxicity bioassay system using Flow Injection Analysis (FIA), solenoid valves and micropumps, and Vibrio fischeri bacteria. During my Ph.D., I worked on the development of new methods to analyze the nutritional content of soybean leaves directly in the field using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) and Energy-Dispersive X Ray Fluorescence (EDXRF).

What inspired you to pursue a career in science?

Books and science-related journals inspired me to pursue a career in science. Ever since I was a child, I wanted to be a scientist and be involved in work that aims to uncover new discoveries. I have always been interested in scientific topics, especially those related to stars and chemical phenomena. For me, the most exciting part of being a scientist is overcoming challenges everyday by thinking outside the box, considering potential solutions, and trying out new and innovative strategies. In this sense, we are challenged every day to think about or try something new, and we have to be creative.

Do you have any role models and, if so, which ones?

I would say that Prof. Dr. Elia Tfouni and Prof. Dr. Francisco José Krug will always be role models integrity, ethics, competence, dedication, hardwork and research excellence for me. They were more than supervisors for me. They guided me and taught me the most important aspects for being a great scientist, so I admire them, and I aspire to achieve all these qualities one day.

What does your research focus on, and what excites you most about this topic?

Currently, I am working on a project called I4S (Intelligence for Soil) – Integrated System for Site-Specific Soil Fertility Management, which is part of the BonaRes initiative funded by the German Federal Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF). My research focuses on the development of new methods for soil analysis using a handheld EDXRF device in order to determine nutrient contents directly in the field. In particular, I am responsible for the development of a modular automatic system using a portable XRF, a microcontroller and small stepper motors. This module will be installed in a mobile platform to perform the analysis in situ and in real time. In addition to the challenges inherent to method development, there are two big challenges that this topic highlights, as X rays beam from handheld EDXRF is only 3 mm (diameter): the homogeneity and representativeness of the sampled soil portion, and micro-analysis versus macro-analysis. These are the most exciting points for me.

Why research at BAM? What do you like most about your work here?

BAM is an internationally recognized institute of research known for its excellence and innovative solutions. BAM offers an interdisciplinary environment, well-equipped laboratories, highly qualified staff, and a wealth of resources that are readily available. It is a great opportunity for early career scientists to work here. I am also working in a research group with highly qualified, helpful, and friendly colleagues who have made working at BAM a great experience.

If you should describe your job at BAM in one sentence – what would that be?

BAM has an excellence research culture and offers us an enjoyable working environment where we can develop our innovative mindset that is essential for overcoming current worldwide challenges.