Dr. Cátia Figueiredo is a marine biologist with a passion for exploring the intricate interactions between climate change and emergent chemical stressors on marine ecosystems. Her research focuses on understanding the effects of these factors on marine biota, particularly in the context of technology critical elements. Her academic journey began with a bachelor’s degree in biology in 2012, followed by a master's degree in marine ecology in 2014, both acquired at the University of Lisbon, Portugal. In 2017, she was awarded a Ph.D. scholarship funded by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology, allowing her to investigate the combined impacts of climate change (including ocean warming and acidification) and the emergent rare earth elements on various aquatic organisms. She finished her Ph.D. in 2022 and published 18 research articles during her Ph.D. Currently, she serves as the co-Principal Investigator of the EMINENT project (Emergent interactive effects of climate change and contaminants), a significant research initiative (REF 2022.08285.PTDC) aimed at unraveling the complex interplay between climate change, emergent technological pollutants and their influence on bioaccumulation, elimination processes and ecotoxicological outcomes in key bivalve species.

We want to congratulate Dr. Catia Figueiredo for winning the Toxics 2022 Best Ph.D. Thesis Award.

The following is an interview with Dr. Catia Figueiredo:

1. Could you please give us a brief overview of your research topic and the main objectives of your Ph.D. thesis?

My Ph.D. thesis focused on environmental challenges posed by the increased availability of rare earth elements (REEs) and the impacts of climate change. REEs have become crucial to the technological shifts towards renewable, more efficient and economically viable energy sources. This popular widespread use has contributed to the exponential increase of waste containing high concentrations of REEs. The escalating production, shorter lifespans of electronics and ineffective recycling policies result in the release of large amounts of, otherwise present in smaller concentrations, REEs into the aquatic environment. Hence, the main objectives of my research were to investigate the bioaccumulation, elimination and interactions of REEs in various taxonomic groups, including sponges, fish, bivalves and algae. Through my work, I aimed to gain a better understanding of how these species accumulate REEs, how they respond to changing environmental conditions and the potential toxicological effects on them. By studying both coastal and deep-sea biomonitoring species, I sought to provide comprehensive insights into the behavior of REEs in marine ecosystems. Furthermore, my research revealed that the responses of organisms were species-specific, element-specific and dose-specific. This complexity suggests that understanding REE accumulation and toxic responses in the near future is exceptionally intricate. It also emphasized the potential deleterious consequences of REE accumulation on species in a changing world.
Overall, the outcomes of my Ph.D. dissertation provide crucial data for policymakers when legislating for emerging environmental issues related to REE availability and toxic effects.

2. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during your Ph.D. journey, and how did you overcome them?

My Ph.D. journey was an incredibly rewarding, but also challenging experience. One of the most significant challenges I faced was managing the complexity of my research topic. The interactions between REEs and climate change were intricate and required careful planning and execution. However, I overcame this challenge by breaking down the research into manageable steps.
Another major hurdle was the unexpected emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic led to the closure of research facilities, travel restrictions and disruptions in data collection. The shift to remote work and limited access to laboratory equipment posed serious challenges to the progress of my research. To adapt to these unprecedented circumstances, I had to reevaluate my research plans and modify my approach to continue making progress. The pandemic also affected my mental well-being and motivation, as isolation and uncertainties weighed heavily on everyone. To overcome this, I actively engaged in online academic communities, attended virtual conferences and sought support from my peers.
These challenges taught me resilience, adaptability, perseverance, resourcefulness and the importance of maintaining a strong support network. Adapting to unforeseen challenges, both academic and personal, was vital in pushing forward and staying committed to my research objectives.

3. When and how did you access Toxics? What prompted you to apply for this award, and would you like to share your experience with the journal Toxics?

I accessed Toxics regularly during my Ph.D. while conducting literature research on environmental toxicology and related fields. As a reputable journal known for its high-quality research articles, Toxics provided a wealth of knowledge and insights that were instrumental in shaping my Ph.D. thesis and its scientific outcomes. The decision to apply for the award was motivated by several factors. Firstly, the award's recognition within the academic community was evident, and it represented an excellent opportunity to showcase my research findings to a broader audience. Winning this award would also serve as a testament to the significance of my research and its potential implications for environmental policy and decision-making. Moreover, the award presented an opportunity to contribute to the field of toxicology and advance discussions on the impacts of rare earth elements and climate change on marine ecosystems. My experience with the Toxics journal has been nothing but positive. The journal's editorial team was supportive and responsive, making the award winning journey smooth and rewarding. I am truly grateful for the platform provided by Toxics, as it has played a pivotal role in disseminating my research and contributing to the ongoing dialogue on environmental challenges and their implications for marine ecosystems.

4. What qualities do you think young scientists need?

In order to thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of academia, young scientists require a diverse set of qualities. I believe some of them include:

• Curiosity: a strong sense of curiosity is the driving force behind scientific exploration. Young scientists should ask questions, seek answers and do not fear the unknown;
• Perseverance: academia can be challenging and often involves setbacks, so being resilient and persistent is a great skill;
• Critical thinking: critical thinking skills are paramount for evaluating information, designing experiments and drawing meaningful conclusions from data. Young scientists should develop the ability to assess and interpret scientific literature and evidence critically;
• Collaboration: effective collaboration is vital in modern scientific research. Successful young scientists should be able to collaborate with colleagues, mentors and interdisciplinary teams;
• Ethical awareness: young scientists must maintain the highest standards of integrity in their research practices;
• Time management: balancing research, coursework and personal life demands efficient time management. Young scientists need to prioritize tasks effectively to make progress in their work while maintaining a healthy work–life balance. This is key to a successful and productive career.

5. As the winner of this award, is there something you want to express, or someone you want to thank the most?

First and foremost, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the selection committee and the editorial team of Toxics for conferring this award upon me. It is an incredible honor to be recognized for my Ph.D. research, and I am extremely thankful for this recognition.
I would like to extend my appreciation to my Ph.D. advisors, Dr. Joana Raimundo, Dr. Pedro Ré and Dr. Mário Diniz, whose guidance, support and mentorship were invaluable throughout my research journey. Their expertise, encouragement and dedication to my success played a pivotal role in shaping the direction of my research.
I am also grateful to the members of my research team for their collaboration, inspiration and camaraderie.
Furthermore, I want to express my gratitude to the academic institutions and laboratories that provided me with the resources and facilities necessary for my research. Their support enabled me to carry out experiments and analyses that contributed to the findings presented in my Ph.D. thesis.
Last, but definitely not least, I must also acknowledge the unwavering support of my family and friends throughout this journey. Their encouragement, understanding and belief in my abilities have been a constant source of strength and motivation.