Dr. Livia Gama Fagundes

Dr. Fagundes is driven by her lifelong commitment to make every learner feel seen and capable. After arriving in the U.S. as a child and struggling to learn to read in a classroom where she felt overlooked, Dr. Fagundes dedicated her career to creating the kind of learning environment she never had—one that sparks curiosity, builds confidence and expands their sense of what’s possible. Now a science teacher in Queens, NY, she brings learning to life through immersive, real‑world connections, including winning Cengage’s first‑ever “Meet a National Geographic Explorer” Contest. By blending engaging lessons, multimedia exploration and immersive opportunities that connect learning to real careers, she helps her students imagine futures they never considered. When Explorer, Malaika Vaz, visited Dr. Fagundes’ class, her students not only felt a powerful sense of belonging, they left seeing themselves as scientists, storytellers and Explorers in their own right, a reminder that meaningful learning can open doors, build skills and inspire bold new career pathways.