Carolina L Zilli Vieira is a prominent figure whose career journey spans multiple disciplines and has led her to make significant contributions to both scientific research and public health. Originally from São Paulo, Brazil, she began her professional journey in the field of dentistry. She graduated in 2002 with a degree in dental surgery from São Paulo State University. However, her career trajectory took a dramatic shift after she completed her PhD in cardiology at the Heart Institute of the University of São Paulo in 2009.
Carolina L Zilli Vieira | Harvard College
She later went on to pursue a post-doctoral study in environmental health, furthering her research in the Department of Pathology at the same university. At EliteX, we are proud to have Carolina L Zilli Vieira as part of the edition: 10 Fearless Women in Business, 2024.
While her initial career was rooted in dentistry, it was a growing interest in the effects of solar cycles and galactic cosmic rays (GCR) on human health that guided her toward a new path. This transition began when she observed a concerning pattern of reemerging diseases, such as scarlet fever, in her son’s school. These diseases seemed to be resurfacing with increased intensity, and Carolina began to question whether this could be linked to an increase in GCR intensity. Her hypothesis suggested that such cosmic rays might influence DNA variations in pathogenic microorganisms, ultimately contributing to the reemergence of these diseases. This idea became the foundation of her new research focus, leading to her groundbreaking work in environmental health.
“Everything that happens is meant to be, and if they are unpleasant, they come to teach us a better way to live.”
Carolina’s transition into this new area of research wasn’t easy, and like many women in science and business, she faced numerous challenges. One of the most significant hurdles was the challenge of growing in her career without adopting the traditional traits often associated with success in business, such as aggression or an overly competitive nature. She explained that navigating the professional world as a woman sometimes required finding a balance between ambition and maintaining a calm, composed demeanor. Despite these challenges, Carolina remained focused on her passion for learning and discovery, allowing her to excel in an unconventional way.
Over time, her definition of success has evolved. Initially, success was simply about pursuing what she loved. However, as her career progressed, she realized the importance of a more holistic approach that includes financial stability. Carolina now believes that true success is a balance between doing what we love and earning enough to live a peaceful and fulfilling life. This shift in perspective reflects her deeper understanding of what it means to live a well-rounded, purpose-driven life. Mentorship and networking have also played a significant role in Carolina’s career growth. She emphasizes the importance of connecting with others, sharing ideas, and learning from one another. These connections not only make the work more enjoyable but also offer invaluable insights that help turn ideas into reality. Carolina has seen first-hand how collaboration and the exchange of experiences can amplify the impact of one’s work and broaden the scope of research.
One of the pivotal moments in her career was when she helped establish a new area of research at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (HSPH) in 2015. The idea of exploring the relationship between solar cycles, GCR, and public health was a novel one, and Carolina’s dedication to advancing this field has been instrumental in making this research area a respected part of the scientific community. Her career has been marked by several such moments of growth, but she believes that each step has been a natural progression of her journey. For Carolina, success and fulfillment come from following the path life presents, even if it’s unclear at first. As a leader, Carolina has learned that the most important lesson is to focus on doing good work, not just for oneself, but for the betterment of others. She believes that a life well-lived is one in which we contribute positively to the world around us. Through her work, she hopes to leave a legacy that not only benefits her generation but also those to come.
In terms of work-life balance, Carolina recognizes the importance of taking time for oneself and one’s family. She emphasizes that life is short, and it’s essential to recharge and spend time with loved ones. She also believes in the importance of spirituality, which helps her find peace and resilience in the face of life’s challenges. Her daily routine includes meditation and reading Vedic scriptures, practices she’s embraced since 2006. These habits have helped her maintain a broad perspective on life, making her more adaptable and resilient, especially during difficult times. Carolina attributes much of her strength to her spiritual practices, which allow her to understand life’s dynamics on a deeper level.
“Life is intense, but short. We need to have a good work-life balance, including not feeling bad about taking some days off with our kids and family.”
Innovation and staying competitive in her field are also central to Carolina’s approach. She continually seeks out interdisciplinary areas of research that can help people better understand the connections between various health risk factors. By exploring new ideas and approaches, Carolina remains at the forefront of her field, ensuring that her work continues to have a meaningful impact on public health. Her dedication to research and learning drives her to constantly innovate and challenge the status quo. When faced with setbacks, Carolina stays resilient by maintaining a mindset that everything that happens is meant to be. Even when things don’t go as planned, she believes these challenges are opportunities for growth and learning. She credits her faith and spirituality with helping her navigate difficult times, allowing her to view obstacles as stepping stones toward personal and professional growth.
For young women entering the business world, Carolina offers simple yet powerful advice: focus on your own path, do your best, and trust in God. She stresses the importance of building connections and learning from others but also emphasizes the value of staying true to one’s passions and interests. Success, she believes, comes from choosing what you love and dedicating time to it, rather than comparing oneself to others or striving to meet external expectations. One of Carolina’s proudest achievements is her role in developing a new area of research at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. This groundbreaking work has since expanded to other countries, demonstrating the global impact of her efforts. She is immensely proud of this accomplishment, as it not only represents a personal achievement but also has the potential to improve public health worldwide.
Looking ahead, Carolina is excited about the future. She is eager to continue her research, particularly in understanding the biological mechanisms behind the phenomena she studies. Additionally, she has a strong desire to work directly with patients as a professor in hospitals, where she can apply her knowledge to help individuals and make a tangible difference in their lives. As for the future of women in business, Carolina is optimistic. She believes that women’s capabilities, including their resilience, adaptability, and multitasking skills, are essential strengths that will continue to be recognized. As women become more disciplined and focused on their goals, she envisions a future where women and men are equally represented in leadership positions.
Carolina L Zilli Vieira’s journey from dentistry to groundbreaking research in environmental health and public health is a testament to her passion, resilience, and commitment to making a positive impact on the world. Her story is one of transformation, perseverance, and an unwavering belief that following one’s true path can lead to success, both personally and professionally. With a heart full of purpose and a mind constantly seeking new knowledge, Carolina’s future is as bright as the work she continues to do.
“Success is a balance of doing what we love and earning what is fair to live a decent and peaceful life.”