Professor Márcia Foster Mesko

Márcia Mesko has a Bachelor’s and a Teaching degree in Chemistry, from the Federal University of Pelotas, and a Masters and Doctorate in Chemistry (Analytical Chemistry) from the Federal University of Santa Maria.

Her research interest is chemistry, with a focus on analytical chemistry, especially the development of methods for elemental analysis (quantifying chemical elements in a sample)

using atomic spectrometry and ion chromatography. Methods are then developed to determine metals and non-metals, especially halogens, in biological and environmental samples, as well as foods, cosmetics and medications, using alternative technologies and prioritizing the principles of green chemistry.

She first became interest in analytical chemistry once she understood the importance of developing more modern methods, which enable unprecedented, more reliable and faster results. In addition, Márcia saw the need for developing safer methods for the analysts, with less toxic reagents that generate less residue, following the principles of green chemistry. In this sense, Márcia is greatly concerned with people’s life quality and with the environment, seeking methods that are more environmentally friendly and that allow for the consumption/use of foods, drugs, cosmetics and others, in a safer way and with the population’s well-being in mind.

In addition, she draws attention to the fact that scientific development becomes more noticeable when we realize there are children prematurely exposed to multiple compounds and elements that can be detrimental to health, and it is extremely relevant to have this information to prevent the development of illnesses throughout life, especially with the constant increase in the population’s life expectancy. Based on that, Márcia sees in analytical chemistry, along with several areas of expertise, the possibility of obtaining new information, which requires new analysis methods that keep up with the constant scientific and technological development in different fields of knowledge.

In her academic journey, Márcia has received several recognitions, such as the “Distinguished Women in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering” from the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), the “Young Talent in Analytical Chemistry Award” from the Brazilian Journal of Analytical Chemistry (BrJAC) and the “2018 JAAS Emerging Investigator Lectureship” awarded by the Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry da Royal Society of Chemistry. She represented the element “Bromine” at the Periodic Table of Young Chemists, in the celebration of IUPAC’s 100th anniversary and the International Year of the Periodic Table, and won the “For Women in Science 2012” award, from L’Óreal in partnership with UNESCO and the Brazilian Academy of Sciences.

Márcia is a Full Member of the Brazilian Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences/National Pharmacy Academy, an affiliate member of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences in Chemical Sciences (2020-2024) and a CNPq – Level 1C fellowship holder in productivity in research.

Regarding equity of women in STEM, Márcia believes “we need gender diversity, especially in the exact sciences, engineering, and computing, because we need different perspectives in the search of problem solving.” We need, then, examples of diversity and success and leadership profiles, to attract and inspire more girls and women to work in these fields, which are still primarily male-dominated. In addition, Márcia believes “we need more diversity in gender, race, cultures, in this and in other fields that are of our interest.”