The fashion industry is one known to be a tad “scandalous”—a place where criticism, judgment and even jealousy seem to drift in the air. Yet the scientific world carries its own storms. What is one recurring experience or judgment within the scientific community that echoes what you’ve witnessed in fashion’s competitive landscape?

Both worlds are fiercely competitive, but the judgment that hits closest is gatekeeping, who “belongs” and who doesn’t. In fashion, it’s usually about the way one looks, connections or fitting a certain aesthetic. In science, I’ve felt it as skepticism toward outsiders, especially someone from fashion or social media. People assume if you’re not a PhD or from a traditional academic background, your voice doesn’t count, even if you’re sticking to facts and trying to amplify the science. But just like in fashion, I truly think that real impact comes from those who dare to try something different, not those who fit the mold.

Considering that a book was the spark that ignited your passion for nuclear science, what literature, places or even pieces of media would you offer to those wishing to step into your world and begin their own journey?

My spark for science overall came after moving to the US, when I accidentally picked up Richard Dawkins’ The Greatest Show on Earth, which opened my eyes to evidence-based thinking. For nuclear specifically, I’d shamelessly plug my own book, Rad Future, as it’s written for newcomers with humor and no jargon. Another great one is Atomic Adventures by James Mahaffey, fun stories from nuclear history that read like thrillers. Media-wise: Oliver Stone’sNuclear Now documentary, my TED Talk or even the classic Disney’s “Our Friend the Atom” episode for some retro optimism. For a physical place, visit EBR-I at Idaho National Laboratory, the world’s first reactor to produce electricity. It’s a free museum open to the public with tours starting in the summer. You can also visit your local nuclear plant, most plants offer free scheduled tours.

What misconceptions have you received from the scientific community about your presence in fashion and on social media? And in turn, what misconceptions or skepticism have you sensed from the fashion community regarding your belonging to the scientific world?

From scientists, some assume I’m superficial or just chasing clout, that a fashion model can’t possibly understand complex topics like lifecycle emissions or reactor physics. As if the random genetic lottery of my facial features somehow dictates how my brain processes and retains information. They’ve questioned if I’m making light of something serious. From fashion, it’s the opposite. They see nuclear as scary, “toxic” or too nerdy and wonder why I’m “ruining” my aesthetic with politics and science. Some agents even told me I was tanking my career. Both sides underestimate how these worlds can intersect: Aesthetic and science aren’t mutually exclusive and making nuclear cool via social media is exactly what’s needed to reach younger audiences who care about climate.

As a Brazilian woman, one of the forces that awakened your hunger for nuclear energy was the devastation of the Amazon fires in 2019. Knowing the intimate and powerful connection Brazilians hold with their homeland, do you feel that emotional pull—this devotion to your pátria—deepened your determination to draw attention to nuclear energy and the preservation of our planet’s resources?

Absolutely, the 2019 fires felt personal, like watching my house burn while the world debated solutions that weren’t scaling fast enough. As a Brazilian, that love for the land and our forests is in our blood. Thankfully, the devastation fueled my climate anxiety into action. Nuclear became my focus because it’s the most land-efficient, reliable and clean energy source we have; it protects nature both by producing massive amounts of carbon-free power and by using the least amount of resources and land. My connection to Brazil also pushes me to advocate for abundance, not scarcity. Having grown up seeing how energy access shapes lives, I know firsthand that when reliable, affordable power reaches more people, quality of life improves dramatically, health, education, opportunity, everything.

In the ever-evolving world of science, once so heavily male-dominated, have you felt a certain loneliness while fighting for this cause? As a Latin woman, someone involved in fashion and exposed to so many people daily, what aspects of your character or mission make you feel most isolated at times?

One thing modeling has blessed me with is a very thick skin. Turns out that being told “no” every day and being called old at the age of 25 can build extreme resilience. Who would’ve thought? Working with creatives worldwide also amplified my extroverted side, so big crowds and new rooms don’t faze me. What isolates me most is the mission’s urgency, watching plants close while emissions rise or battling misinformation alone online. Yet that same determination keeps me going: I know bridging these worlds is rare and someone has to do it.

In an era where influencer and celebrity culture reigns and where admiration often comes swiftly, do you believe that engaging with something greater than oneself—something as vast and historically charged as nuclear energy—imposes a sense of humility or even intimidation? Would you encourage other public figures to engage in these complex conversations, despite the risk of being misinformed or misunderstood? How do you suggest getting over this barrier?

It brings a lot of humility. Nuclear technology’s history, from bombs to accidents, is heavy and the stakes for climate are enormous. It can be intimidating at first, but that’s why it’s worth it: something bigger than likes or trends.