I was born in Riverside, California. However, I moved to Brazil when I was one-year old, and
ended up spending most of my life there. When I was 15 years old, I was given the opportunity
of making one of my dreams come true: the opportunity of studying in the US. Without a
doubt, transitioning to the US was one of the best decisions of my life. I strayed from my
comfort zone and jumped into an unfamiliar environment, which today, I call home. Leaving my
hometown and my family, especially with minimal knowledge of the English language, was an
extremely hard decision that encouraged me to manage the uncertainty. Despite the unknown,
moving to the US meant more opportunities and obtaining an experience of a lifetime. After I
finished my second year as an undergraduate, I found the coursework enlightening and
enjoyable, but I was eager to get involved in research. This led me to investigate different water
research labs at the University of Arizona during the summer after my sophomore year. I was
fortunate enough to receive the opportunity to join Dr. Shane Snyder’s research group in the
fall semester of 2016. Due to my strong interest in water sustainability, I was placed on a
funded project by the WateReuse Research Foundation to characterize and treat total organic
compounds. These compounds were from a direct potable reuse processes and were compared
to surface water supplies in the area. In 2018, I started leading a year-long project to
characterize the organic matter within environmental buffers receiving wastewater
effluent. The knowledge and experience I have gained during my time under Dr. Snyder has
demonstrated the possibilities of innovation in science and the potential for improving the
quality of human life. Today, I continue to seize opportunities and work towards many of my
goals, including: pursuing a degree I am passionate about, contributing to the scientific
community by assisting with research at the University of Arizona, and emerging into the
American culture.
Your hosts for the program are Mónica Ramírez-Andreotta, Assistant Professor, Department of Soil, Water and Environmental Science, and KXCI host, producer and instructor Bridgitte Thum, who will be interviewing two students per week.
Tune in for twice the Thesis Thursday, our main featured mini-program on that day of the week!
Broadcast times and departments:
4:55 a.m. – Thesis Thursday Department of Soil. Water and Environmental Sciences with Monica
9:55 a.m. – Thesis Thursday UBRP with Bridgitte
11:55 a.m. – Thesis Thursday Department of Soil. Water and Environmental Sciences with Monica
12:55 p.m. – Thesis Thursday UBRP with Bridgitte
2:55 p.m.-Thesis Thursday Department of Soil. Water and Environmental Sciences with Monica
5:55 p.m. – Thesis Thursday UBRP with Bridgitte
History: Since 2013, The University of Arizona’s Undergraduate Biology Research Program has partnered with KXCI 91.3 to produce “Thesis Thursday,” a weekly segment featuring student researchers talking about their undergraduate thesis projects, or research projects while working with University professors. Students describe their research, their overall goals and career interests and where they think their research will lead. They also get a chance to share their music and interests that motivate them.
Created by Cathy Rivers, engineered and produced by Bridgitte Thum.
