PhD, astrophysicist, astrobiologist, professor of Astronomy at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro since 1993, member of the International Astronomical Union (Exoplanets, Astrobiology and Stellar Evolution commissions, among others), founding member and current president of the Brazilian Astrobiological Society.

Discoverer, in 1997, of the first solar twin star ever identified, 18 Scorpii, the star most resembling the Sun known at that date.

Researcher in stellar chemical composition, solar-type stars, stellar magnetic activity, exoplanets, planetary habitability and astrobiology, with focus in observational aspects.

Published 54 refereed papers in international journals since1991, with over 6,700 citations. Science consultant and popularizer since 1987, active in popular talks, courses, interviews, panels and podcasts, both online and in person.