Maria Carolina Bittencourt Gonçalves Advocates for Improved Treatments in Mental Health

Born in São Paulo, Brazil, Maria's fascination with the brain was evident early on. She knew she wanted to be a scientist after first peering into a microscope at age 11. This passion led her to study chemistry at the University of São Paulo, where she began working in a neuroscience lab focused on stem cells and neurodevelopment.

While at university, Maria formed a close relationship with a fellow student, Lucas, who also studied chemistry. They bonded over shared interests such as music and travel, eventually becoming partners. Lucas, however, had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder shortly before they met, a fact that took time for both of them to fully understand.

Bipolar disorder affects mood and energy levels, resulting in episodes of extreme highs and lows. It is estimated that 1 in 200 people globally live with this disorder, with significant risks including suicidal thoughts and attempts. Maria witnessed firsthand how Lucas's condition impacted his daily life, leading her to take on the emotional burden of managing his mental health alongside her studies.

As their relationship progressed, Maria’s academic pursuits shifted toward neuroscience, particularly in understanding psychiatric illnesses. After earning her Ph.D. from the Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), she joined a lab focused on neurodevelopment and explored animal models that reflected aspects of bipolar disorder. Throughout this journey, she volunteered with the Brazilian Association of Relatives, Friends, and People with Affective Disorders (ABRATA), which deepened her understanding of patients' experiences and the inadequacies of existing treatments.

In 2021, Maria moved to Boston to pursue a postdoctoral fellowship at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. This transition, though significant, coincided with personal changes in her life and aspirations. In Boston, she worked on understanding cognitive impacts on older patients undergoing cardiac surgery, while continuing to draw inspiration from her past experiences.

Currently, as a member of the CircaVent Team at the Wyss Institute, Maria is involved in a cutting-edge drug screening platform aimed at developing personalized therapies for mental health disorders, with a specific focus on bipolar disorder. By leveraging human brain organoids and predictive algorithms, she aims to identify potential treatments and enhance the understanding of the disorder.

While she and Lucas are no longer together, Maria acknowledges the role he played in her professional journey and is motivated to create a more inclusive and understanding society regarding mental health. She advocates for open discussions about mental health and hopes to reduce stigma, making it easier for individuals to seek help.

Maria's goals encompass not only advancing scientific research but also fostering a society where diverse experiences are acknowledged and embraced. She believes that by making mental health visible, individuals can feel supported, leading to improved outcomes and understanding.