“The impact I value the most is making a difference to the lives and careers of my students.”
I am an economist by training. Early in my career I realized that I wanted to contribute to improving society and wellbeing, so I opted to focus on health economics and policy.
The core of my job is conducting research with social impact, with an emphasis on policies and interventions to promote population health at global level. My work has been featured at the World Economic Forum and has informed the development of health policies internationally, for example the introduction of a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages to curb obesity. During the pandemic I led a project that created a tool to help governments decide which patients should be seen first in hospitals given their capacity constraints. If implemented, it has the potential to save years of life globally.
My work on diversity and inclusion has impacted the lives of Imperial staff through initiatives to mitigate gender pay gaps and prevent bullying and harassment. I chair the Diversity Committee and have been awarded a Julia Higgins award for my contribution to equality, diversity and inclusion.
I am passionate about teaching students and mentoring junior academics. The impact I value the most is making a difference to the lives and careers of my students by providing them with economics skills, developing their passion for improving population health, mentoring them or helping them navigate academic and professional environments. They are talented and fantastic human beings eager to make our planet a better world and it is a privilege being part of their journey.
I want to be part of the radical change that needs to occur in academia to enable a better society where people are cared for, not discriminated against and given equal opportunities to thrive. At a personal (but also professional) level I want to be a role model for my son and pave the way for a brighter future for him.
I am a person of eclectic interests; I wish I had more time to pursue them. I love poetry and comic books. I love travelling and getting to know new people, cultures and perspectives. I love baking: my plan B has always been to open my own patisserie, I even trained as a pastry chef. I love learning and wish I had time to do other degrees – there are so many on my wish list. I spend my free time with my son Henrique and my other loved ones. Whenever I manage, I hide by the Atlantic Ocean to recharge my batteries.