Meet Ticiane – A Workaholic with a Mission

“I know myself well—I get excited when given a new mission. I always want to give my best, exceed expectations, and continuously learn and improve,” Ticiane shares in this interview.

Ticiane Silva de Oliveira: “Many people my age quickly get tired of their job and start looking for something new, but I can’t imagine that happening at TCM.”

“How did you become part of the TCM team?”

“I started working at TCM one day a week in 2023 as a Data Analyst for the MOF4AIR project. From the very beginning, I was impressed by TCM’s efficiency in communication—both internally and externally, which creates such a productive work environment. I remember coming home and spending hours telling my boyfriend how well-organized everything was, how brilliant my colleagues were, and how incredible it felt to work alongside some of the biggest names in the field”

“How was your move from Brazil to Norway?”

“I arrived in Norway just before COVID-19, so you can imagine it wasn’t easy. I questioned my decision many times, but with the borders closed, I didn’t have much of a choice. Being far from my family in those early years was extremely difficult, but at the same time, I felt safe in Norway, which handled the pandemic remarkably well.”

“What surprised you most about Norwegian culture and behavior?”

“What surprised me the most was how Norwegians handle the harsh weather. They go outside no matter what, and when asked, they say, ‘Det finnes ikke dårlig vær, bare dårlige klær’ (There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing). Their resilience is impressive, and I hope that one day I’ll be able to do the same.”

“What inspired you to work with carbon capture?”

“I have always been passionate about green technologies, but my interest in carbon capture specifically developed after moving to Bergen for my master’s program and working with MOF materials. From there, it didn’t take long for me to learn about TCM and become inspired by the exciting work being done here.”

“How has your education prepared you for your role at TCM?”

“Although my studies weren’t specifically focused on CO₂ capture, I have always shaped my career around green chemistry and sustainable alternatives. The biggest influence on my decision to pursue this path was my master’s research project, the incredible people I met along the way, and the fortunate timing of being in the right place at the right time.”

“What is the most exciting aspect of your job at TCM?”

“The most exciting part of my job is its dynamic nature and the constant learning it offers. People of my generation often get bored at work and move on quickly, but I can’t imagine that happening at TCM. Every project brings new challenges, new lessons, and continuous improvement.

Another aspect I love about TCM is its unique combination of an industrial site and a research environment. I have a deep appreciation for both academic work and industrial applications, and at TCM, I get to experience the best of both worlds.”

“Can you share a specific project at TCM that you’re particularly proud of?”

“Absolutely! The MOF4AIR project, funded by Horizon 2020, the European Union’s research and innovation program, stands out for me. During my master’s, I learned that TCM was one of the three demonstration sites for this project. I was eager to understand how the work we were doing in the lab would be scaled up to an industrial level.

I reached out to TCM, arranged a visit, and had the incredible opportunity to receive a VIP tour from Anette Knarvik. The experience was so inspiring that I decided to apply for an internship on this project.

Today, I have learned so much from MOF4AIR. It was a great project to start my journey in CO₂ capture. We work hard to achieve the best results for this promising technology while also actively documenting and generating knowledge to support its further development. It makes me proud to collaborate with and learn from experts like Richard Blom, Guy De Weireld, and Shreenath Krishnamurthy—professionals I looked up to during my master’s program.”

“What do your family and friends say about your job?”

“To be honest, most of my friends don’t fully understand what I do. Some even assume I work in oil and gas because of TCM’s proximity to the Equinor refinery. I make a point of explaining the distinction. While post-combustion capture is currently the dominant technology, CO₂ capture has a much broader scope, with applications in areas like BECCS and DAC.

I believe it’s important for the general public to better understand CO₂ capture for what it truly is—an immediate and crucial solution for the energy transition period, rather than an excuse to continue fossil fuel exploitation.”

“What gives you energy and joy at work?”

“The people, of course! The team at TCM is amazing. We meticulously plan together before each project, collaborate closely during test campaigns, and celebrate every milestone as a team. TCM has the best working environment I have ever been a part of.”

“What do you think is the biggest challenge in your work?”

“Not necessarily as a CO₂ capture technologist, but personally, my biggest challenge is being a workaholic.

In my previous job at Envir AS, I was tasked with creating a construction materials testing laboratory from scratch. I love challenges, so I fully committed, dedicating immense time and energy to the project. However, I didn’t realize how much it was consuming me until my boyfriend and colleagues pointed out that I was overworking myself at the expense of my personal life.

I know myself well—I get excited when given a new mission. I always want to give my best, exceed expectations, and continuously learn and improve. My greatest challenge will be maintaining a healthy work-life balance while staying passionate about what I do.”

“If you were to give a colleague a flower, who would it be—and why?”

“As I mentioned, I’m a workaholic, and that trait comes from my parents. They taught my siblings and me to always give our best and strive to be a reference in our field. With that in mind, I’d have to give flowers to two colleagues: Helge Ulvatn and Magnus Aronsson.

Both are true role models at TCM—exceptional at what they do, always willing to share their knowledge, and consistently supporting the team. I truly admire them, and I hope to reach their level one day.”

“What do you value most about your colleagues at TCM?”

“What I value most is their support and how they make my learning process so seamless. There’s no such thing as a silly question, every comment and idea is heard and taken seriously. We truly work as a team, and the horizontal hierarchy at TCM makes collaboration even more effective.”

“How do you recharge after a long day at work?”

“Oh, that’s a tough one! I’m a city girl, so for me, recharging used to mean going out—cinema, parties, dinner with friends, hiking up Fløyen or Ulriken, sunbathing at Gamlehaugen, or swimming in Nordnes.

But in January this year, my boyfriend and I moved to Manger to be closer to Mongstad, and I’ve had to completely rethink how I recharge. Right now, house renovations keep me occupied, but sooner or later, I know I’ll need to find a hobby—otherwise, I might go crazy in this peaceful countryside life!”

“What advice would you give to someone considering a move to Norway or a career in carbon capture?”

“My best advice? It won’t be easy, but don’t give up. Get your dose of vitamin D, find some Latino friends to keep the energy up, and invest in proper rain gear—you’ll need it! And if you happen to find yourself a handsome and romantic French boyfriend, that helps too. Highly recommended!”