In today’s spotlight of #HumansofOISS, we’re featuring Rafael. He is originally from the South of Brazil and is currently a PhD candidate in Physiology in the Gracheva lab. His research focuses on the neuronal mechanisms underlying puberty in hibernating ground squirrels.
Outside of the lab, Rafael enjoys dancing with the Yale Tango Club. A friend introduced him to the club almost two years ago, teaching him some basic steps before he attended the Winter Tango Party. Since then, the tango community has become an important part of his PhD experience. Through the club, Rafael has connected with kind, talented people across many of Yale’s schools and departments. He’s danced tango in New Haven, Hartford, New York, Boston, and even back home in Brazil. Last summer, he experienced the tango scene in Buenos Aires. Through the tango practices, socials, parties and festivals, he has met great dancers that became real great friends!
Looking ahead, Rafael hopes to keep mentoring and supporting other Brazilian students , following the example of mentors who motivated him during his own journey. Currently, he is also part of Iniciativa Proxima, an umbrella program that aims to train the next generation of Brazilian scientists.
Career-wise, in the near future, Rafael aims to perform postdoctoral training and then become an independent researcher in his own laboratory, pursuing important questions in physiology.
