#WebbTelescopeWomen Catarina Alves de Oliveira

Catarina Alves de Oliveira, ESA scientist for Webb’s NIRSpec instrument

What is your role in Webb?

I am an expert on Webb’s near-infrared spectrograph (NIRSpec), working on testing and calibrating it, and defining data processing methods that will allow scientists to make accurate measurements of the objects they are studying.

Why are you excited about Webb?

Scientists using Webb will make some of the most impactful discoveries of our lifetimes. In my research, I focus on the questions surrounding the formation of stars in our Galaxy, and I cannot wait to see the big breakthroughs Webb will make when looking at the first stages of the formation of planetary systems like our own Solar System.

The Webb is also a great technological feat and illustrates the benefits of international cooperation. I hope it will be a source of inspiration to future generations!

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

I have supported several test campaigns of Webb in the past 10 years as a test shift-lead for the near-infrared spectrograph (NIRSpec). Over the years, I witnessed how we went from supporting the stand-alone testing of NIRSpec led by Airbus, to operating it together with the fully assembled telescope at NASA’s refurbished Apollo test chamber. Working side-by-side with these large teams of scientists and engineers, fully devoted to making Webb work has been an extremely rewarding experience.

Did you have a mentor during your career, and if so, how did they inspire you?

The people that impacted my career the most were the ones that shared with me their past failures and how they overcame the setbacks, not focusing only on their accomplishments. They gave me an honest and relatable account of what it took them to build a successful career, and showed me that if I worked towards my goals and believed in myself, it was also within my reach.

What advice could you offer to young people thinking of pursuing a career in STEM?

My advice is to find the motivation behind your career choice. Believing in yourself and the reason why you decided to invest time and dedication in your career will energize you to learn new things, and encourage you to overcome challenges. Science, technology, engineering and maths are present everywhere in today’s society ­– the possibilities are endless!

The 2021 International Women’s Day theme is “Choose to Challenge”. What are the biggest challenges you’ve fought to overcome in your career?

The biggest challenge I had to overcome throughout my career was to break out of the boxes people tried to fit me in, either because of my past experience, gender, nationality, age, etc. I always had broad interests in science and instrumentation, but also management. I have lived in many countries and enjoy working in diverse teams. So, I looked for opportunities where I was able to combine these skills and develop innovative solutions to problems, shattering the simplistic labels that I did not identify with. At ESA, I work as a manager and an operations scientist contributing to the development of two exciting missions, and I feel that I can use my full potential.