Caroline is an energy professional with over seven years of experience in oil and gas, specializing in natural gas transportation and pipeline operations. She currently leads innovation projects to drive operational efficiency and sustainability, combining technical expertise with strong communication and people-focused leadership. Passionate about simplifying complex topics, she is committed to shaping a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.

1. What inspired your move from Industrial Chemistry to Pipeline Engineering?

I've always been passionate about the energy sector. Even before graduation, I knew I wanted to work in this field. Chemistry is energy, it's transformation, it's a path to new discoveries. In chemistry, I knew I had a wide range of career paths. When the opportunity arose to work for a gas transport company that aims to lead the transformation of the energy sector in Brazil, I had no doubt that I wanted to apply for this position and contribute to the Brazilian energy transition through the pipeline model.

2. What has been your most challenging project at NTS?

The most challenging project I developed at NTS was software that calculates the route of a molecule in a gas pipeline network using data on flow, pressure, and the chemical composition of natural gas, called SAQGAS. It took two years of intense development from scratch, resulting in a patent for the mathematical methodology, an award at an international conference for the innovative model, and recognition by the technical staff of the Brazilian oil and gas regulatory agency. It was a project that made me very proud and gave me a strong desire to achieve more and better!

3. How do you balance commercial goals with operational efficiency?

Having worked for seven years in the Operations department broadened my perspective on the company's core business. I experienced four different departments, experienced the challenges of each, and understood their objectives. All of this gives me the experience I need to, now more mature, work on the other side of the business: the commercial area, developing innovative product solutions for customers. This is all thanks to my knowledge of how to operationalize such products; after all, the Commercial area is Operations' main internal customer.

4. How have you thrived as a woman in a male-dominated industry?

This question is extremely interesting. And I can say with conviction, after working in four different coordination positions and two different directorships, that I stood out by dedicating myself more and delivering more concrete results than my male colleagues, as well as other female engineering colleagues. They are extremely competent at what they do; however, I know that because I'm a woman and younger than them (on average), to be heard and taken seriously, I had to demonstrate more dedication and superior results to gain recognition.

5. How do you stay motivated and manage work-life balance?

My greatest source of motivation, without a doubt, is my interest in the energy sector. I feel incredibly alive and happy when I produce and develop relevant projects that challenge me intellectually.

In my personal life, I love psychoanalysis, sports, and music. I understand that these hobbies also help me in my work, both behaviorally and regarding creativity and humor. Therefore, balancing my professional and professional lives is essential, as they directly influence each other. If I feel fulfilled professionally, I feel fulfilled in my personal life. If I feel alive in my personal life, I feel motivated to work and perform better!

6. What pipeline innovations excite you most for the future?

Certainly, innovations in automation, data science, and the use of artificial intelligence for decision-making and in-depth analysis.