Amanda has worked as a clinical veterinarian during 6 years in Brazil before moving to Canada. She has provided follow-up care and support for patients, prepared treatment plans and prescribed medication, studied, diagnosed and treated animal diseases and injuries, advised owners about feeding, caring, breeding, and immunizing their pets, prepared and maintained reports and records on rabies, immunization, and disease, maintained records and support for administrative staff. During this period, she had the opportunity to work along with veterinarian pathologists that showed her some pathology techniques (anatomic or clinical) related to diagnose different diseases especially in dogs and cats that where very useful to decide the best treatment to the pet.

At Smart Earth Camelina Corp. we are lucky enough to call her a member of her team. She has had a significant hand in the development of our newest product, Smart Earth Camelina +.

We wanted to dive into the deep consideration it took to take this product to market and feature Dr. Nascimento and her story. Please read on to see the interview.

Growing up in Brazil shaped who I am today. As a young woman passionate about animals and science, I often found myself navigating a path that wasn’t always clearly laid out. There were societal expectations and limited resources, but I was determined to follow my passion. Brazil's vibrant culture and close relationship with nature instilled in me a deep appreciation for all living beings. I saw so many animals in need, especially stray dogs and cats, and that inspired me to help however I could. These early experiences were where my journey in animal care truly began.

Growing up in Brazil shaped who I am today. As a young woman passionate about animals and science, I often found myself navigating a path that wasn’t always clearly laid out. There were societal expectations and limited resources, but I was determined to follow my passion. Brazil's vibrant culture and close relationship with nature instilled in me a deep appreciation for all living beings. I saw so many animals in need, especially stray dogs and cats, and that inspired me to help however I could. These early experiences were where my journey in animal care truly began.

My love for animals started very young. I was that kid who always stopped to help a stray dog or feed the neighborhood cats. I remember one especially impactful moment when I found a pregnant stray cat. I brought her home, helped her deliver her kittens, and ended up bottle-feeding one of them around the clock after the mom was unable to care for it. That kitten survived, and I eventually found homes for all of them. Stories like that happened many times - I’ve rescued animals hit by cars, treated mange with what little I had, and learned how to provide basic care long before I ever went to veterinary school. Those moments made me realize that animal care was not just something I loved - it was a calling.

I completed my veterinary degree in Brazil, where I started integrating clinical work with research early on. From there, I pursued a Master’s and PhD in Pathology and Immunology, with a focus on the immune system's role in disease. I later moved to Canada to finish my PhD at the University of Saskatchewan, followed by postdoctoral training. This academic path took me across Brazil, Canada, and now the U.S., and gave me the opportunity to grow both scientifically and personally. It’s been a journey of resilience, curiosity, and constant learning, and I carry each chapter with me in the work I do today.

As I progressed in my career, I started realizing that clinical outcomes were often improved when we looked at the animal as a whole - not just as a collection of symptoms. This led me to explore integrative and holistic medicine. Growing up in Brazil, I was surrounded by natural remedies and herbal traditions. Brazil is incredibly rich in biodiversity, especially with the vast natural resources from the Amazon rainforest. Many herbs used to treat both people and animals are part of our cultural knowledge, passed down through generations. That exposure gave me a deep, intuitive understanding of natural products early on in life. Over the years, I’ve complemented that knowledge with formal training in animal nutrition and holistic therapies including pharmacology and toxicology, always grounded in science. My approach is evidence-based but deeply rooted in nature’s wisdom - bringing together the best of both worlds to support long-term health and healing.

At Health Canada, I worked in veterinary drug evaluation, focusing on safety, efficacy, and quality. That experience taught me the critical importance of regulatory compliance and scientific rigor in product development. It also gave me insight into how to bring innovative, yet safe and effective, products to market. This foundation has been key in developing a product that is not only thoughtfully formulated but also meets high standards.

My main interests lie in veterinary pharmacology/toxicology, immunology, and clinical nutrition. I’m especially passionate about the intersection of immune health and nutrition, and how we can use that knowledge to improve quality of life in aging or chronically ill animals. I’m also deeply involved in clinical research related to cancer diagnostics and companion animal wellness.

I’m not only a scientist and veterinarian - I’m also an animal lover and pet parent myself. I understand the emotional side of caring for animals, and that drives everything I do. I believe in empowering pet owners with safe, science-backed options and always strive to create products I would feel confident using for my own animals.

My motivation came from recognizing unmet needs in existing equine products, particularly in the areas of immune function, inflammatory response, and gastrointestinal support. I selected each ingredient with care, based on available scientific literature and traditional practices, to help maintain normal physiological functions in horses. The formulation was designed to support the normal function of the digestive tract, contribute to a balanced gut environment, and help maintain the horse’s natural defenses. Each component was chosen for its complementary role, ensuring a formula that works in harmony to support overall wellness.

Yes, the uniqueness lies in the deliberate selection and integration of functional ingredients that are informed by scientific evidence and a strong understanding of equine physiology. This formula is designed to work in alignment with the horse’s normal biological processes, supporting the maintenance of digestive function, immune response, and overall well-being. Rather than simply adding ingredients, this approach emphasizes balance, compatibility, and purpose - ensuring each component contributes meaningfully to the horse’s daily physiological needs.

While the basic oil provides a solid nutritional foundation, this new formulation builds upon it by incorporating selected botanicals and functional compounds that support the maintenance of normal digestive function, immune system activity, and metabolic balance. It’s developed with a systems-based approach, aiming to support multiple physiological processes in a complementary way. The result is a more comprehensive option that reflects a deeper understanding of the horse’s overall needs.