Carolina L. Zilli Vieira is a research associate and instructor at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (HSPH). She holds a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree, a PhD in Cardiology, and a postdoctoral degree in Environmental Health. She has introduced a new area of research at HSPH that investigates the impact of solar cycles and cosmic radiation on human health. At EliteX, we are proud to have Carolina Zilli Vieira as part of the edition: 10 Extraordinary Women in Business, 2025.
Carolina L. Zilli Vieira | Research Associate & Instructor | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (HSPH)
Her journey into this field began in 2008–2009 when cases of scarlet fever and swine flu re-emerged in her son’s school. This unexpected occurrence led her to question whether the cyclic nature of cosmic rays during solar cycles could alter the DNA of microorganisms, potentially influencing their pathogenicity and human vulnerability to disease. Her research revealed a significant connection—during periods of increased cosmic rays, mortality rates from infectious diseases in a city in Brazil were higher. This discovery motivated her to continue exploring the relationship between solar cycle fluctuations and adverse human health outcomes.
“Trust your dreams, especially if they have the power to help others.”
Like any pioneering researcher, Carolina faced challenges, with the greatest being dealing with her own insecurities and anxiety. When someone ventures into a completely new area, they often find themselves alone in the journey. However, she placed her faith in God, believing that life unfolds as it is meant to, according to the principles of karma and dharma. During difficult and uncertain times, she relied on faith to navigate through challenges until things became clearer. For her, faith was the key to overcoming obstacles.
A significant milestone in her career was her move from São Paulo, Brazil, to the United States in 2015. She brought her young children with her, embracing a new life and new challenges. Today, after ten years, she is grateful to have built a happy and stable life. One of her proudest achievements was being recognized with the award for best researcher and doctor in the USA by Who’s Who in America. Carolina realized the impact of her research when it started gaining recognition beyond her immediate work. Many international universities have since collaborated with her, successfully reproducing her research findings. Her work demonstrates that the Sun is a fundamental driver of human life expectancy, regardless of individual health conditions.
Her daily motivation comes from her faith in God, her spiritual guide, her children, her partner, and her passion for helping people gain a deeper understanding of how life functions on this planet. She approaches leadership with a focus on helping others grow and become more conscious of their responsibilities, both to themselves and to others. She values hard work, sincerity, ethics, compassion, and collaboration, which she considers essential for meaningful and impactful research.
For young women aspiring to establish their own careers or businesses, Carolina offers simple but profound advice—trust in your dreams, especially if they have the potential to help others. She believes that life and work should be meaningful and contribute to a better world. She encourages women to stay true to themselves, not allowing others to define who they are. Only God and oneself can truly know one’s purpose, and many people are too caught up and lost in their own lives to influence others.
“The Sun is the main driver of human life expectancy, no matter how healthy we are!”
Handling failure and setbacks is an inevitable part of life, and Carolina manages these challenges through daily meditation and chanting mantras. She considers spiritual healing a crucial component of success and inner peace, even in difficult times. These practices help her maintain resilience and clarity in both her personal and professional life.
Innovation and relevance in her field are not concerns for Carolina, as her research is ongoing. She is committed to continuing her work for as long as she can, knowing that there is always more to uncover about the intricate relationship between cosmic forces and human health. Balancing work and personal life is important to her. She prioritizes quality time with her children and partner, ensuring they receive her full attention, love, and care. She believes in making the most of the moments spent with family, as this strengthens relationships and fosters happiness.
To stay focused and recharged, Carolina engages in meditation, yoga, chanting mantras, and reading Vedic literature. These activities keep her mind centered and her spirit strong, allowing her to face challenges with clarity and determination. Her message to women in business is clear—do not let others dictate who you are. Many people are lost in their own illusions and have no power over anyone else’s reality. She encourages women to have confidence in themselves and their purpose, believing that they alone, along with God, hold the truth about their path. Through her work, Carolina L. Zilli Vieira continues to push boundaries in scientific research while maintaining a strong spiritual foundation. She is dedicated to uncovering the connections between the universe and human health, inspiring others to pursue knowledge, truth, and a deeper understanding of life.
“Faith is critical during uncertain times.”