Hi, I’m Cynthia! I’m a Ph.D. student in Political Science at the University of Kentucky, where I study judicial behavior from a comparative perspective. My research looks at how political violence and media attention shape the decision-making of Supreme Court justices. I focus on Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court ("STF", our Supreme Court), exploring how these pressures affect judges’ conduct and broader perceptions of legitimacy.

I’m originally from Belém do Pará, Brazil. I earned my J.D. from the Federal University of Pará and passed the bar in 2016, later completing my M.A. in Law (summa cum laude) with an emphasis on Human Rights & Labor Law. Before joining the Ph.D. program, I practiced law for eight years, taught labor law, and worked with unions and small businesses. I also co-founded Campello Brasil Advocacia, a law firm in Belém specializing in civil and labor litigation.

Outside of research and teaching, I enjoy reading (especially biographies!), exploring national parks, going on hikes, and connecting with people from different backgrounds. I value opportunities to share experiences across legal and political systems and to learn from the diverse perspectives of colleagues and students.