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First, I encourage my students to grasp the knowledge of chordate groups by exploring the specimens’ external and internal morphology, the balance between their structure and function, and dissection techniques. Handling and dissecting specimens in the laboratory is crucial to the student's understanding of general anatomy. This first goal is also essential for students to get used to surgical instruments because it will probably be their first experience with scalpels, tweezers, forceps, and dissection scissors.

My second objective is to teach the students just how dynamic and integrative vertebrate zoology is, making connections among functional anatomy, ecological adaptations, conservation, and patterns of evolutionary diversification. I strive to give my students a strong foundation in biomechanical insight, especially into muscles. Students will discover first-hand how complex and elegant millions of years of evolution are in comparing organ systems in relatively basal groups of chordates, such as Amphioxus, and how these extend to mammals and other specialized forms.

I fully embrace individualist, strength-based approach to scholarship that includes and supports diverse viewpoints. These values tend to lead to a more robust future for the entire academic community. I can see myself at every institution of higher learning at which diversity, equity, and inclusion are taken seriously.

Museum experience: Visited and worked in collections including Federal University of Rio de Janeiro – National Museum, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro – Macaé Center for Ecology and Socio-Environmental Development, University of Sao Paulo – Zoology Museum, University of Sao Paulo - Ichthyology Laboratory of Ribeirão Preto, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul - Science and Technology Museum, Ichthyological Collection of the State University of Rio de Janeiro, State University of Feira de Santana - Zoology Museum, Smithsonian Institution, Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoology, Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, American Museum of Natural History, Florida Museum of Natural History, Field Museum, Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Beaty Biodiversity Museum, National Museum of Nature and Science, Ueno Park, Tokyo.