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TED2009

Brazil

Ph.D. Student/Biologist / University of São Paulo/NGO SOS Fauna

Websites

Bio

Brazilian-born biologist Juliana Machado Ferreira wants, simply, to save the world. she is pursuing her doctorate in Conservation Genetics at the Laboratory of Evolutionary Biology and Vertebrate Conservation (LABEC) at São Paulo University. Her current project involves developing species-specific molecular markers and population genetics studies of four passerine birds, with the aim to understand the distribution of their genetic variability and to track down the origin of birds seized from illegal trade.

She works closely with the National Fish and Wildlife Forensics Laboratory, and her ultimate goal is to help set up a Wildlife Forensics Laboratory in Brazil.

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 (Evolutionary Significant Units, for example) within each species, which must be taken into account for the development of management and conservation policies.

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 for the NGO SOS FAUNA, which fights the wildlife illegal trade in Brazil and its consequences. I am passionate about fighting animal exploitation and about actions that aim to change human habits as voracious consumers and exploiters of natural resources and wildlife. I do not have any sort of prejudice against any race or religion, but I am very passionate about freeing Tibet and Palestine and obtaining their full recognition as independent nations.

What do you do for fun?

The main thing that helps to maintain my sanity is training for master's competitive swimming. I started training in 2006, and since then I came to be state, Brazilian and Pan-American champion and 13th in the world for some races in my age group. Also, during the swimming practices I get a kick out of winning races against big strong men! I also enjoy scuba diving (I spent two and a half months in Egypt diving), hiking and all sorts of nature-related activities. I usually spend my free time watching movies, reading books and going to concerts and shows. In addition, I treasure the time that I get to spend with my family, especially my parents, my brother, my sister-in-law and my five-year-old niece.

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.