Dr. Luiza F.A. de Paula, PhD
Dr. Luiza F.A. de Paula, PhD
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Director, Ecologist and Conservation Scientist
Director, Ecologist and Conservation Scientist
Email: luizafap@gmail.com
Portfolio: https://luizadepaulaportfolio.my.canva.site/
Dr. Luiza de Paula is the founder and director of the Inselberg Biodiversity Lab (IBL), where she leads research on the ecology, evolution, conservation and biodiversity of tropical rock outcrop ecosystems. Based at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Brazil, where she serves as a Visiting Researcher and Professor, her work integrates plant ecology, systematics, biogeography, conservation science and biodiversity informatics to better understand how species originate, persist and respond to environmental change in naturally fragmented landscapes.
Over the past two decades, Dr. de Paula has developed an international research network focused on inselbergs and other terrestrial island-like ecosystems across Brazil, Madagascar, Australia and India. Her research combines field studies, biodiversity databases, conservation assessments and innovative partnerships to advance both scientific knowledge and practical conservation outcomes.
Beyond academia, she is actively engaged in initiatives that connect science, society and biodiversity conservation through open data, science communication, environmental education and collaborations with conservation organizations, cultural institutions and the private sector.
Through the Inselberg Biodiversity Lab, she seeks to foster interdisciplinary research, train the next generation of scientists and develop innovative solutions for the conservation of tropical biodiversity.
Education
Ph.D. (2015-2019) Plant Biology, Department of Botany, University of Rostock, Germany
Ph.D. (2017-2019) Visiting Researcher, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium
Ph.D. (2016) Visiting Researcher, State University of São Paulo, Rio Claro, Brazil
Ph.D. (2016) Visiting Researcher, Rio de Janeiro Botanic Garden Research Institute, Brazil
Master (2013-2015) Plant Biology, Department of Botany, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil
B.Sc. (2007-2012) Biological Science, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil
Awards and Honors
2025 1st Place – Conservation Research Position, Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden Research Institute (JBRJ), National public competition regulated by Notice No. 1, October 14, 2024
2025 1st Place – Conservation Research Position, Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden Research Institute (JBRJ), National public competition regulated by Notice No. 1, October 14, 2024
2024 2nd Place – Plant Ecology Research Position, National Institute of the Atlantic Forest (INMA), National public competition regulated by INMA Notice No. 1, October 9, 2023, Brazil
2024 2nd Place – Plant Ecology Research Position, National Institute of the Atlantic Forest (INMA), National public competition regulated by INMA Notice No. 1, October 9, 2023, Brazil
2020 Honorable Mention for the work "Environmental Outreach During Quarantine: The Role of Podcasts", 1st National Congress on Innovation and Science Communication, Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Brazil
2020 Honorable Mention for the work "Environmental Outreach During Quarantine: The Role of Podcasts", 1st National Congress on Innovation and Science Communication, Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Brazil
2019 Doctoral Thesis Nominated for Summa Cum Laude (Highest Honors), University of Rostock, Germany
2019 Doctoral Thesis Nominated for Summa Cum Laude (Highest Honors), University of Rostock, Germany
2017 Outstanding Student Award, XIX International Botanical Congress, China
2017 Outstanding Student Award, XIX International Botanical Congress, China
2017 Women's Promotion Fund Award, University of Rostock, Germany
2017 Women's Promotion Fund Award, University of Rostock, Germany
2012 1st Place in the Master's Admission Process, Graduate Program in Plant Biology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil
2012 1st Place in the Master's Admission Process, Graduate Program in Plant Biology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil
Experience
2025 - Present Visiting Reseacher and Professor (CNPq's Conhecimento Brasil program) Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil
2019 - Present Project Scientist, The Red List Project, USA
2019 - 2025 Postdoc and Volunteer Professor, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil
2022 - 2023 Environmental Consultant, WSP, Brazil
2022 - 2023 Environmental Consultant, Centro de Referência em Educação Ambiental, Brazil
2020 - 2021 Environmental Consultant, Amplo, Brazil
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