Dr. Cátia Magro’s new children’s book connects humanity and the natural world

June 18th, 2025   |   Faculty, SIT Graduate Institute, SIT Study Abroad

We all remember our favorite books from childhood—books that made you want to travel through time, explore unknown forests and waters, live in space, or learn magic.

“For a long time, I dreamed of writing a book that might inspire others, just as so many books inspired me,” said SIT professor Dr. Cátia Magro. And so she did.

“Aurora: The Adventures of a Future Scientist” is meant to spark the readers’ imagination and inspire scientific learning, but also is an ode to all the women who encouraged her to “take one more step forward” throughout her life and career.

Dr. Magro is the academic director of SIT’s Portugal: Sustainability and Environmental Justice and an assistant professor in the PhD in Sustainability program. She began writing the book before joining SIT nearly four years ago, but said her students and their curiosity motivated her to finish it.

We spoke to Dr. Magro about what originally inspired her to write “Aurora: The Adventures of a Future Scientist” and what she hopes sticks with readers long after they close the book.

Can you summarize what "Aurora: The Adventures of a Future Scientist" is about?

“Aurora: The Adventures of a Future Scientist” follows the journey of a young girl named Aurora. Through her heartfelt adventures in another multiverse where human beings are extinct, the story weaves together themes of female empowerment, science, family, friendship, and sustainability.

All of the characters are female, highlighting the essential role of women in science and the power of collaboration among them. The narrative mirrors a scientific endeavor—full of hypotheses, experimentation, moments of doubt, and ultimately, discovery. As Aurora reminds us, women have always been a driving force for change, and it’s up to new generations to continue that legacy.

The book includes a glossary to help young readers engage with scientific terms, making it both an inspiring and educational read. At its core, “Aurora: The Adventures of a Future Scientist” is a celebration of curiosity, courage, and the connection between humanity and the natural world.

What inspired you to write this book?

Reading has always been one of my greatest passions. For a long time, I dreamed of writing a book that might inspire others, just as so many books inspired me. My father played a key role in this journey. He used to read stories to me, and he invented many of his own, creating entire worlds from his imagination. Every night brought a new story, and I think that’s where my own desire to tell stories and create worlds was born.

This book is also a tribute to my mother and my grandmother Cecília—two women who taught me, through their example, what strength, love, and determination truly are. But it’s an ode to all the women who have inspired me throughout the years: teachers, scientists, engineers—courageous women who opened paths in various fields and showed me that there are no limits when you have the courage to take one more step forward.

Aurora is, in many ways, a reflection of myself: a curious child, fascinated by the world, who found in science not only a path of discovery but a sense of identity. I grew up in an environment where curiosity was welcomed, where asking “why” was never a nuisance.

What do you hope readers will take away from reading “Aurora: The Adventures of a Future Scientist?”

As an adult, I wanted to create a book that could be shared between children and their parents, a story that sparks imagination and encourages scientific learning. The book is an adventure, but it’s also a gentle celebration of curiosity and the freedom to dream.

My hope is that this book inspires young readers to ask questions, explore the world around them, and understand the urgency of protecting our planet. I want them to imagine themselves as scientists, astronauts, environmental engineers—whatever they wish to become.

If “Aurora: The Adventures of a Future Scientist” can ignite even a small spark of curiosity or courage in a young reader, then it will have achieved its purpose.

How has your work at SIT influenced your writing?

I started writing the book before joining SIT, but being here—surrounded by so many incredible students—gave me even more strength to keep going and finish it. Watching how their education, friendships, and values have shaped their kindness and curiosity has been truly inspiring.

It motivated me to ensure this book could become part of meaningful family moments—where girls and boys read it together with their loved ones, learn about science and cooperation, and feel empowered to pursue their goals with courage and determination. I hope it inspires them to stay true to themselves, to care for others and the natural world, and to grow up free, confident, and full of curiosity.

What advice do you have for prospective students interested in studying in Portugal?

Portugal offers a rich, diverse environment for learning, from its culture and landscapes to its academic excellence. But above all, it offers space to reflect, connect, and find meaning in the work we do for the planet and for each other.

Those who have studied with my team know that the journey isn’t always easy. It’s filled with scientific challenges, demanding assignments, and critical thinking. But they also know that behind every task, there’s a greater purpose: to help them grow, not only as students, but as people.

Study abroad in Portugal is intense but short—it passes quickly—yet within that time, you may discover your professional passion, your inner voice, or simply a new way of seeing the world. I encourage students to be free, to explore their dreams and ideas, and to learn by doing. I never walk ahead of them or hold their hand every step of the way—but I always walk beside them, supporting them, even when they stumble.

Interested in purchasing this book? “Aurora: As Aventuras de uma Futura Cientista” (in Portuguese) is available through the publisher, Flamingo, Atlantic Books. You can find it in bookstores across Portugal and some in Brazil. Additionally, it can be purchased online through the Flamingo, Atlantic Books library, which offers international shipping, including to the United States.