I was drawn to study at Surrey for my PhD because it has the best combination of expertise in satellites and in sustainability.
I’m from Brazil, and I want to promote the use of Earth Observation with satellites to protect natural resources and reduce deforestation in my country. I’m interested in forestry, agriculture, conservation, geopolitics and the use of geotechnologies to support livelihoods.
I have a BSc in Geography and an MSc in Geographical Information Systems from the University of Aberdeen. I was drawn to study at Surrey for my PhD because it has the best combination of expertise in satellites and in sustainability.
My experience here has been very positive, and I’ve had great experiences attending international conferences and workshops. My research allowed me to work in the Amazon region, as well as in workshops in the UK.
My supervisors have all been very supportive and always encourage me to go the extra mile.
Surrey has very good opportunities for collaboration. I’m working with researchers at the University of Reading, for example, and I’m particularly proud of starting an official international collaboration between the University of Surrey and the National Institute for Space Research (INPE) in Brazil. Surrey and INPE signed a memorandum of understanding because of me, and I’ve been able to take advantage of INPE facilities in Sao Jose dos Campos in Brazil to support my research.
I’ve worked for the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Rome before, and I’m hoping my PhD and new skills from the University of Surrey will help me compete for a future position there in the future.
Studying at Surrey has also given me the opportunity to explore the Surrey countryside with its great walks, nature and good places for cycling. I like hiking and having easy access to the Lake District and the Brecon Beacons in Wales; walking across the south of England is a great experience.
Seeing things differently is at the heart of what we do at the University of Surrey. We see things not only as they are, but as they could be. If you are considering a doctoral programme, it means that you see things differently too – yourself in a new career, your passion for your subject, or wanting to be part of changing the world for the better. Find out more about our doctoral programmes and join us at an exciting time.