College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Department of Forestry

What inspired your interest in pursuing a MS/PHD in forestry?

I have worked in academia and research in Brazil now for 10 years in the sustainabilty field and wanted to develop technical skills in forestry, especially in the Amazon region where my work currently is centered.

Why did you choose to study at MSU?

I wanted to do a US master’s that would allow me to continue living and working in Brazil, MSU’s forestry program is established and the in person portions of the hybrid program was attractive to gain some in field experience and learning. 

What has been one of your best experiences within graduate school so far?

The in-person week long introduction into the course in August of 2024 was really great to jump into forestry and get to know my classmates. During the program, many of the courses have required going into the field conduct data collection and field techniques.

What do you want others to know about this program?

This program requires serious dedication and curiosity, but the professors and classmates bring a wealth of knowledge and experience that enrich students’ experiences.

What are some of the best things about being an MSU student?

I think its making connections with many of these professors who are experts in their fields.

Any thoughts or advice for current students?

Don’t hesitate to reach our to professors or classmates with any and all questions, I like to inquire about more practical aspects of forestry with my classmates and professors as I come from a research background.

What are your future plans?

Upon completing this course, I plan to integrate the skills and tools learned into my ongoing research on carbon credit projects in tropical forests and on sustainable cattle and agricultural systems in the Amazon. My goal is to apply these tools to strengthen the technical and financial rigor of forest conservation initiatives and traceability/monitoring systems in the beef supply chain. In parallel, I intend to start a small business in Brazil focused on supporting forest conservation projects and sustainable land-use solutions in the Amazon region. This would allow me to translate academic research into practical, high-impact applications that benefit local communities, producers, and ecosystems.