June 2025

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Oceanography | Vol. 38, No. 2

90

Is this the only job (post-academia) that you’ve had? If

not, what else did you do?

I’ve been working at the Instituto Coral Vivo ever since. I ini­

tially joined the team as a regional coordinator, managing the

Bahia hub of the Coral Vivo Project. After two years, I was

invited to take on the role of project director, and since then

have led national-scale initiatives and multidisciplinary teams

focused on advancing marine conservation in Brazil through

science, outreach, and collaborative networks.

What is your current job? What path did you take

to get there?

For the past eight years, I have had the honor of serving as direc­

tor of the Coral Vivo Project, a national-scale marine conser­

vation initiative that began in 2003. Coral Vivo takes a socio­

environmental and ecosystem-based approach to conserving

the coral reefs located off the northeast and southeast coasts of

Brazil, emphasizing six integrated axes: Scientific Knowledge,

Public Awareness, Public Policy, Social Impact, Socioeconomics,

and Conservation.

My path to this role was shaped by my early experiences in

field research and outreach, my commitment to inclusive con­

servation, and my belief in the power of science to inform and

mobilize. At Coral Vivo, we aim to raise awareness across soci­

ety about the value, challenges, and opportunities of conserving

and sustainably using marine resources. We work closely with

government bodies and civil society to inform public policies,

while also engaging directly with key social groups—including

women, traditional communities, and Indigenous peoples—to

foster collective transformation.

What did your oceanographic education (or academic

career) give you that is useful in your current job? 

My academic background was fundamental to my development

as a professional. I was fortunate to have a well-rounded under­

graduate education in oceanography that included not only

technical and scientific training but also courses in socioenvi­

ronmental topics. This broad foundation helped shape my sys­

tems thinking and gave me the ability to connect science with

society early on.

The technical knowledge I gained continues to be essential

in my work, especially in understanding marine ecosystems

and leading interdisciplinary teams. But just as important was

the development of critical thinking—a skill that allows me to

evaluate complex situations, design strategic interventions, and

adapt to ever-changing environmental and social realities.

Is there any course or other training you would have

liked to have had as part of your graduate education to

meet the demands of the job market? 

Yes—absolutely. To this day, I feel the absence of formal training

in areas like management, administration, and communication.

These skills are fundamental when working outside academia,

especially in leadership roles that require strategic planning,

team coordination, project oversight, and public engagement.

I also believe that basic training in entrepreneurship would be

extremely valuable for those interested in developing indepen­

dent initiatives or working across sectors. Incorporating even

introductory courses in these areas during graduate education

would better prepare scientists to operate in interdisciplinary

and applied contexts, where science meets society.

Is the job satisfying? What aspects of the job do you

like best/least? 

Yes, my job is deeply satisfying—but not without its challenges.

Like many people, I’m not fond of bureaucracy or the complex­

ities of managing human resources. Yet, paradoxically, those are

often the very things that challenge and push me to grow.

What I truly love is dreaming. I’m energized by imagining

how far good ideas can go, and by building the bridges to make

them happen. I enjoy thinking strategically—mapping visions

on paper and then adapting them as they come to life, often in

ways that differ from the original plan. Some ideas work, oth­

ers don’t, but when they do, and I see real-world impact, I feel

deeply fulfilled.

Do you have any recommendations for new grads

looking for jobs?

Follow your passion—even if it doesn’t seem “profitable” at first

glance. I’ve always been moved by nature and the ocean, and

although I was often told that this path lacked financial promise,

I never lost sight of what fulfilled me. Oceanography has always

been my passion, and being able to live it every day is a profound

source of personal and professional gratification.

I also believe deeply in the power of networks. The relation­

ships we build over time help sustain us and keep us connected

to shared causes. My advice is also to explore: seek out initiatives

that resonate with you, volunteer, get to know different fields,

and observe where your heart feels at home. And be proactive.

Having the courage to take initiative, choose your own path, and

take responsibility for your decisions is part of a rare and pow­

erful kind of growth—one that will shape both your career and

who you become along the way.

ARTICLE DOI. https://doi.org/10.5670/oceanog.2025.310

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