Evolving journey: Tracing the evolution of freshwater insects and shaping my path in entomology

Considering the great biodiversity on Earth, it is fascinating to think that one single group of organisms accounts for more than half of it. When I started working with insects, I could not imagine their ubiquity, plasticity, and diversity. I am a Brazilian entomologist with a degree in biological sciences, a master's in animal diversity, and currently a PhD candidate in entomology at a Canadian university. Growing up as a junior scientist in Brazil had dual aspects: the excitement of discovering a hidden diversity of insects and a multitude of research fields to explore, contrasted with challenges regarding funding and incentives. In my talk, I will present the ups and downs of my academic journey, the outcomes of my research, and the challenges of doing science as an immigrant.