At Herbalife Nutrition we are always looking for opportunities to support young scientists who are applying their expertise and knowledge to making the world healthier and happier. That’s why we’re proud to recognize Camile Castilho, recipient of the Science Without Borders scholarship, and her dedication to breast cancer research.
Here is Camile’s story.
Camile Castilho, a Brilliant Breast Cancer Research Scholar
You know how people ask kids all the time what they want to be when they grow up? I’ve always answered “scientist,” because science involves an exciting combination of analytic thought and creativity.
I studied Biology and fell in love with the research field. In 2012, I started my Ph.D. at the University of Sao Paulo. I wanted to dedicate my studies to learning more about breast cancer risk.
However, there was an obstacle. In Brazil, I didn’t have the scientific equipment and tools I needed to conduct essential tests for my research. I needed to go abroad.
How Herbalife Nutrition Supported My Project
In 2014, I applied for the Science Without Borders, a public-private partnership where the Brazilian government partnered with companies who shared an interest in science. Herbalife Nutrition was one of those companies.
The purpose of establishing the scholarship was to promote the expansion of science through international exchange. I got the scholarship and was super excited: I was going to Georgetown University! I would get to work in their Oncology Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. This, in turn, would make my research much more precise and meaningful.
“Herbalife Nutrition’s support was essential for me to be able to seize this opportunity. The scholarship included a monthly stipend and an established fee to cover part of the university’s tuition, classes and materials. That allowed me to focus completely on my studies in researching breast cancer risk and prevention.”
The Award and The Future
I was in Georgetown University for a year studying the relationship between breast cancer risk and diet and returned to Brazil in August 2015. I wrote my PhD thesis and earned my degree one year later. Then, in 2017, my husband and I moved back to Washington D.C. to begin my post-doc at Georgetown University in the Oncology Department.
I had just started the post-doc when I learned I had won the 2017 Best PhD Thesis in the agrarian sciences field in the Sao Paulo University. This was huge for me, since it is considered one of the best universities in Brazil.
“This award and the scholarship that made it possible have inspired me to continue my research and for that, I am extremely thankful for the support from Herbalife Nutrition.”
Inspiring the Next Generation of Scientists
Herbalife Nutrition is committed to giving back to the scientific community by supporting students to pursue their research in nutrition.
Herbalife Nutrition Award for Dietitians
Launched in 2016, the purpose of this award is to encourage and support the development of new talents in innovation and new technologies in the nutrition area.
Our goal is to recognize projects from undergraduate nutrition students that contribute to elevate nutrition research in Latin America.
Entries for the award now include students from Brazil, Colombia, Bolivia, and Peru. The award recipients will be announced here.
Young scientists are looking for ways to make a positive impact in the world. And Herbalife Nutrition is committed to supporting their purpose.
Susan BowermanM.S., R.D., CSSD, CSOWM, FAND – Sr. Director, Worldwide Nutrition Education and Training
Susan Bowerman is the senior director of Worldwide Nutrition Education and Training at Herbalife. She also serves as the Vice Chair of the Dietetic Advisory Board (DAB). As a registered dietitian, she educates distributors about our global nutrition philosophy and is responsible for developing nutrition education and training materials. Bowerman earned a B.S. in Biology with distinction from the University of Colorado and an M.S. in Food Science and Nutrition from Colorado State University. She is a fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and holds two board certifications as a specialist in Sports Dietetics and in Obesity and Weight Management. When she is not busy teaching and writing, Susan enjoys spending time with her family, cooking and gardening. Her favorite Herbalife products include Simply Probiotic and Herbalife Formula 1 Healthy Meal Nutritional Shake Mix Banana Caramel.