Rádios da infância a lasers de futuro: uma jornada em física e inovação

Abstract

This memorial traces the evolution of my academic career over more than two decades, with roots firmly planted in the streets of Brasília, where, between the ages of 10 and 15, childhood curiosity transformed into a passion for science through assembling AM radios and exploring programming on an MSX equipped with a Z80 processor and 64 KB of memory. Supported by family encouragement, this initial foundation of resilience and creativity found its first academic milestone at the University of Brasília (UnB), where I began my training in Physics between 1990 and 1993, solidifying the fundamentals that would guide my trajectory. The journey continued in the Triângulo Mineiro region starting in 2005, at the Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU), where, under the guidance of colleagues and professors, I deepened my dedication to physics and biophotonics. International experiences, such as seminars at the University of Utah (2001) and collaborations in Sheffield (2002), enriched my perspective, while the postdoctoral fellowship at the Beckman Laser Institute (2015–2016) introduced the SFDI technique, a milestone in my trajectory. In Uberlândia, I founded the Laboratory of Imaging and Applied Photonics (LimF) in 2016, generating more than 70 articles, 2 patents, and impactful extension projects, such as studies on masks during the COVID-19 pandemic, widely disseminated by media outlets. These efforts, sustained by a network of collaborators and mentees, culminated in technologies for health and sustainability. As a Full Professor, I intend to expand global partnerships, train new scientific leaders, and consolidate innovations that meet national demands, aligning with UFU's mission of academic excellence and social impact.