Q&A
What projects are you working on now that are most meaningful to you?
My doctoral project aims to study how genetic variability is distributed in each of four species of passerine birds that are exploited as songbirds by the illegal trade in Brazil. Once I develop species-specific molecular markers and analyze the genetic structure for each species, I hope to be able to perform tests on birds seized from the illegal trade and track down the population from which the birds are being taken. With this data I want to provide the police with information on possible routes used by dealers, and the IBAMA (Brazilian Fish and Wildlife Services) with information for future specimen reintegration. In addition, this data will provide valuable information on possible distinct lineages within each species, which must be taken into account for the development of management and conservation policies.
My career goal is to help the establishment of wildlife forensics in Brazil, hopefully setting up a Wildlife Forensics Laboratory in Brazil similar to the as the National Fish and Wildlife Forensics Laboratory in Ashland, Oregon.
Besides your work, what issues/ideas/pursuits are you passionate about?
I am a person with very broad interests. Besides my doctoral project, I work with the NGO SOS FAUNA, which fights the illegal wildlife trade in Brazil and its consequences. We work closely with the police and intelligence agencies to find shipments and dealers, we assist them with the illegal wildlife seizures (police raids), we provide first aid for the seized birds, we work to rehabilitate them and, when possible, reintroduce them into nature. I can't wait to have our Wildlife Forensics Lab! I am passionate about fighting animal exploitation and about actions that aim to change human habits to consume and exploit natural resources and wildlife. Also, I strongly believe that a "greener" society will only be possible when education, health, food and resources are more evenly distributed. We can't talk about environmental protection if there are people starving. I absolutely hate injustices, and although I have no prejudice whatsoever concerning religions, I do not agree on how the world has been treating Palestine.
I have also been trying very seriously to incorporate in my life style what I have been learning and practicing with the DeRose Method (SwáSthya Yôga).
What do you do for fun?
The main thing that helps me maintain my sanity is training for master's competitive swimming. I started training in 2006, and since then I have become a state, Brazilian and Pan-American champion and 13th in the world for some races in my age group. During swimming practices I get a kick out of winning races against big strong men! I also adore to practice SwáSthya Yôga (DeRose Method). I enjoy scuba diving, going to Sao Paulo's soccer matches at the Morumbi Stadium, hiking and all sorts of nature-related activities and sports. I usually spend my free time watching movies, reading books, going to shows and if I can, traveling. In addition, I treasure the time that I get to spend with my family.
Recount a surprising anecdote about yourself that few people know.
I was two, or maybe three years old. I have no idea what I did, but I must have annoyed my parents to their limits, because my dad said very angrily, "From now on you keep your mouth shut!" I immediately opened my mouth as wide as I could. of course, my parents could not do much but laugh as they caught a glimpse of the type of person I would become.
