Graduated in social communication (ECO/UFRJ) and master's and doctorate in cultural anthropology from PPGSA, with postdoctoral studies at Laboratoire Mondes Americains (CRBC/EHESS). She is a professor in the Department of Cultural Anthropology at UFRJ and coordinator of the Center for Studies and Research in Space, Symbolism, and Power (Nesp). She develops research around two thematic axes: 1) social mechanisms for producing collective memories, management of the past, and formation of political communities, and 2) bundles of power established in urban and architectural interventions.