“Every day I go to sleep grateful to be at IMPA Tech,” says a student

Mathematics became a part of Paula Pires’s life at an early age. Her father, who was involved in the field, used to encourage her to learn beyond what was taught in school. Playing with multiplication tables was one of the student’s first encounters with the subject. A native of Vila Velha (ES), the 18-year-old is now pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics at the School of Technology and Innovation in Rio de Janeiro (RJ). Learn more about her journey at #BeyondEquations.

While still in 6th grade, her relationship with the subject took on a new dimension when she learned about OBMEP (the Brazilian Public School Mathematics Olympiad). Through the competition, Paula discovered a world that extended far beyond the classroom. Other math and logical reasoning competitions followed, and with them came a passion that would help shape her next steps. “I don’t think I would ever have made it this far if it weren’t for OBMEP. It was OBMEP that showed me how much I loved math and that I wanted to delve deeper into it,” she recalls.

Paula attended high school at IFES (Federal Institute of Espírito Santo). At that time, she still didn’t know exactly what career path to pursue. Medicine and computer science were among the possibilities, but her acceptance into IMPA Tech through the ENEM (National High School Exam) changed everything.

A member of the class of 2026, the undergraduate student arrived at IMPA Tech in March. “These months here have really changed my life, not only in terms of personal growth, but also in terms of my motivation to grow and my desire to stay here. Every day I go to sleep feeling grateful to be at IMPA Tech,” she said.

The intense routine of the first semester was accompanied by new experiences, both inside and outside the classroom. Paula got involved in community outreach projects, such as the Soma Social, which offers free basic math classes to people in the community. “I believe that science needs to be shared beyond the classroom. Since we study at a center of mathematical excellence, it’s only fair to help others understand the subject the way we do,” she said.

The student also highlights the interdisciplinary nature of the curriculum, the creativity of the professors, and the facilities available to students. Among the options for the coming semesters, she plans to continue focusing on Data.

The bachelor’s degree program at IMPA Tech offers a one-year foundational track. Afterward, students must choose one of the following areas of emphasis: Mathematics; Physics; Artificial Intelligence and Data Science; or Computer Science.

Access to higher education was also made possible by the financial aid and meal assistance provided to students. In addition, students of legal age have access to student housing through a partnership with the City of Rio de Janeiro. For Paula, this support is essential. “It’s an opportunity that allows many people from all over the country to study and support themselves here,” she notes.

Looking ahead, the young woman envisions a career that combines scientific research and teaching mathematics. “I plan to work as a teacher and a researcher, like some of our professors,” she said. Even though she’s just starting her undergraduate studies, she has already found in mathematics not only a field of study but also opportunities to shape her own future.