About me
I still remember the day when, at a very young age, I decided I wanted to become a biologist to help nature. My decision has never changed. I realize now that this is not most people’s experience, as interests tend to switch as they get older. But in my case, this passion only grew with time and I am fortunate to love my work. I greatly enjoy doing research to help understand, restore and protect species and ecosystems. I find so rewarding to be able to educate my students and the general public about ecology and environmental issues. I am filled with wonder when I look at the nature photographs I took over the years, and grateful for the opportunity to have visited such beautiful places to take them. Biodiversity is one of our greatest treasures; it is truly a privilege to have a career dedicated to help protect it.
Professional Background
Education
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Zoology, University of São Paulo, Brazil
Master of Science (M.S.) in Ecology, University of São Paulo, Brazil
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biology, University of São Paulo, Brazil
Brief Professional Biography
I am a tenured professor in the Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, School of Health and Natural Sciences, Dominican University of California. I have a master’s degree in ecology and a Ph.D. in zoology, both from University of São Paulo, Brazil. Most of my doctorate research was completed while I was working as a visiting scientist at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History, in Washington, D.C. After completing my doctorate, I held a post-doctoral research scientist position initially, and later an associate research scientist position, at Columbia University. I started working at Dominican University of California as a tenure-track assistant professor, being granted tenure at the associate professor level, and eventually being promoted to full professor. During my work at Dominican, I served as faculty coordinator for the Center for Sustainability and led a campus-wide sustainability assessment that resulted in a Bronze rating for the university from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education. I also received an “Excellence in Education” Service Award from the City of San Rafael Chamber of Commerce, San Rafael, CA. I am currently focusing most of my time on teaching and research. I teach the following courses: Biological Research Methodology, Ecology and Evolution, Environmental Sciences, Field Biology, Global Wildlife Ecology, International Field Biology, Invertebrate Biology and Marine Biology. My current research focus is on coral reef ecology; I am particularly interested in management strategies that can help mitigate the effects of climate change on corals. Past funding for my research included grants from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Park Service. I have also published several nature photography books.