Ensinando o Movimento, Movendo a Ciência: Associando meu Melhor com o Possível

Abstract

In this memorial, I detail my professional and academic journey, which is presented in support of my promotion to the rank of Full Professor at the Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU). Born in 1965, I built my career while working to finance my studies, and I obtained degrees in Physical Education (1986) and Physical Therapy (1991). Additionally, I hold two specialization titles (1993-1994), a Master's in Bioengineering from USP (1998), and a Doctorate in Physiology from UNICAMP (2005). My education also included a postdoctoral fellowship in the USA (2014-2015), focused on biomechanics. My teaching journey began in 1993 at private institutions, including UNAERP, UNIP, and UNITRI, where I taught various subjects for Physical Therapy and Physical Education courses, in addition to working clinically. Starting in 2009, I joined public universities (first UNIFAL-MG and then UFU), where I consolidated my work in undergraduate and postgraduate education. During this period, I also took hospital shifts at the UFU Clinical Hospital. In the research area, I structured my activities from the outset of my doctoral studies, initially focusing on musculoskeletal dysfunctions, particularly knee osteoarthritis. My postdoctoral experience expanded my competencies in biomechanics and rehabilitation, resulting in a significant increase in publications and partnerships, both national and international. In addition to my contributions to teaching and research, I performed several administrative and technical-scientific roles. I actively participated in curricular restructuring studies, coordinated postgraduate courses, served on various boards and committees, and evaluated undergraduate courses as an INEP evaluator, as well as reviewed scientific journals. My formative activity involved dozens of student supervisions at all levels, from scientific initiation and final graduation projects to master's and doctoral degrees. Throughout my career, I received various honors and distinctions from undergraduate classes, recognitions that signal the positive impact of my teaching activity. This memorial concludes with a personal reflection on my entire journey, highlighting the importance of family and commitment to my values.