Meet Mateus D’Ávila, a recipient of the Dompé Foundation and PhD at Yale University engaged with groundbreaking neuroscience research. Drawn from the Amazon region to the Ivy League university for its legacy of discoveries, Mateus is passionately pursuing a PhD that challenges him under a variety of perspectives. This degree program, in fact, is about solving problems and thinking outside the box, it’s about engaging in cutting-edge research and tackling some of the biggest questions in Neuroscience, it’s about connecting ideas across different fields. Learn more about Mateus’ university journey, passions and dreams in this interview.   

Tell us something about your background 

I am from Belém, a city in the Amazon region. Brazil is a multicultural country, and Belém beautifully reflects this diversity while standing out as a truly unique place. The Amazon rainforest and native culture deeply influence the local gastronomy, music, architecture, and lifestyle. We have spices that numb your mouth, a rich blend of religions and traditions, four-eyed fish, and pink dolphins. It is genuinely a place unlike any other – truly worth a visit! 

Why did you choose to pursue your PhD at Yale University? 

 Choosing Yale’s Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program was an easy decision after learning about its rich legacy of groundbreaking discoveries, from the identification of genes linked to ALS to the pioneering studies on ketamine’s antidepressant effects. Beyond its academic excellence, it was also Yale’s supportive community and focus on personal growth that drew me in. It is the ideal place to grow both as a researcher and as an individual. 

What do you love the most about your program so far? 

What I love the most about my degree program is how creative and intellectually stimulating it is. A PhD isn’t just about cramming facts from textbooks; it’s about solving problems and thinking outside the box. It’s especially exciting when you’re engaged in cutting-edge research, tackling some of the biggest questions in Neuroscience. Every day feels like an opportunity to explore something new and meaningful. 

What skill would you most like to grow and develop? 

I am eager to enhance my ability to connect ideas across different fields. In today’s research, having a broad perspective is crucial for understanding complex biological systems. Some of the most groundbreaking discoveries occur when concepts from one area are applied in unexpected ways to another. That is the kind of innovative thinking I aim to develop. 

Tell us about an experience abroad during your time at university. Why did you choose that destination, and what did you learn? 

In 2023, I traveled to Porto, Portugal, to present my research at the International Society for Neurochemistry’s conference, and it was an unforgettable experience. The key takeaway was the importance of collaboration in science. A simple 20-minute conversation with a peer can spark ideas that might take months to develop independently. It reminded me how much we grow and learn by sharing knowledge with others. 

Tell me about a personal achievement that makes you proud

For me, a PhD is not just about academics; it is a transformative life journey. Along the way, I have learned to define my goals, navigate conflicts, and understand what would make me happier in the long run. Today, I feel far more confident in the decisions I make and the path I am following, all while staying true to myself. I take great pride in this deep sense of inner confidence. 

What was your biggest dream as a child? How about today? 

As a kid, I dreamed of being an actor, then a journalist, and later a philosopher. By my early teens, I discovered neuroscience, and that passion has stayed with me ever since. Looking back, I realize all those dreams had something in common: a deep fascination with human behavior and storytelling. Neuroscience, to me, feels like the ultimate way to explore and share those stories. 

What gets you up in the morning? 

What gets me up in the morning is excitement, the thrill of discovering something new, meeting interesting people, and planning the next steps in my journey. Honestly, I am happier in life when I am learning, that to me is the best place to be. Being a student is not always a comfortable position, as you can feel vulnerable, but the perspective of finding something new and refreshing has driven me my entire life, and motivated me to grow. 

What are you passionate about? 

I am passionate about storytelling. Whether through my research or in everyday conversations, I love how stories can connect with people in unexpected ways. While publishing my findings is rewarding, it is the spontaneous moments – those that spark laughter, reflection, or inspiration - that truly make me feel alive. 

What does the Rita Levi Montalcini scholarship mean to you? 

It is hard to put into words what the Rita Levi-Montalcini Scholarship means to me. It is a source of encouragement, a powerful motivator to keep striving for more. We all enjoy having ourselves and our work being recognized by our peers. On a practical level, it’s a big relief. The financial stability it offers me allows me to focus fully on my work! 

Students sometimes give up applying because they fear they won’t win. Did this or any other doubt cross your mind when you applied for the Dompé Foundation Scholarship? 

I absolutely had those doubts. For a minute, I almost did not pursue this opportunity, as I felt that maybe I was not up to it. But I have learned that self-doubt is natural part of intellectual growth, and this application could be an opportunity to reflect about myself, and that per se held value. This experience taught me that it’s always better to take the risk than to let fear of failure hold you back.