Oceanography | Vol. 38, No. 2
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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