1. University of California – Davis

UC Davis is one of the most renowned universities in the world at the toxicology field, and it

has a huge area of research involving aquatic toxicology, biochemistry and forensics. This

university has a specialized center with several laboratories, connecting the theoretical to the

practical study, with advanced equipment and techniques, which allow professionals to

graduate with recognized excellence in the global labor market.

2. University of Florida – Gainesville

The common theme of water is an issue that guides me in my vision of the future, and this is

one of the strengths of the University of Florida, because it has analytical toxicology

laboratories, which includes many research topics, such as the hormones present in the

water and livestock waste. And this is an area of extensive operations in the world, as well as

various segments in the fields of marine biology and biotechnology.

3. North Carolina State University – Raleigh

This university has a curriculum focused on environmental and molecular toxicology area,

with researches that unite both camps, directed mainly to the presence of environmental

toxins and their relationship with cellular stress, with consequent development of diseases

such as cancer. It is an excellent opportunity for professional growth due to extra-curricular

courses offered by the college.

Currently, I am a student of 8th semester of the Biological Sciences at the University of Vale doItajaí - UNIVALI, Itajaí, SC, Brazil. The course features two lines of research: conservationbiology and biotechnology. Although the two lines are interconnected, they present distinctdisciplines, and I’m trying to get close to the two areas, for I perceive biotechnology as acomprehensive tool to be used in favor of the environment and environmental conservation.

Since childhood I always had affinity in taking care of animals and plants, and when I grew up,the area of science and biology was fascinating me, as an area which I most distinguishedmyself at school. After joining college, I saw how many possibilities this course provides to me,as it encompasses many fields of knowledge - from a tiny cell, to an ecosystem.

Among all the fields of biology I identify myself better with the environmental analysis,especially associated with the water from microbiological analysis to environmental toxicology,the latter being my field of study and interest.

I realize it is of utmost importance to conduct this type of analysis due to the process ofurbanization and industrialization on accelerated levels, can be seen in the large metropolises,the impact on the environment is inevitable, it can be positive or in most cases, negative. Oncerealized that achieving this type of monitoring is extremely important, success in reducing suchdamage or total reduction is necessary, as the environment is a place where the biotic andabiotic environment are interconnected, where small actions in fact affect developing as awhole.

Above all, what motivates me in environmental studies is the key of the survival of organismsfactor: the water. I see that among all natural resources, it is the most exploited in variousways. The simplicity of the molecule does not reveal how valuable and good it is for humanity.It is from water that a minimal cell can survive and that a tree can do photosynthesis and alsoproduces the oxygen we consume. Moreover, it is clear that in the near future, water will beconsidered the real treasure of the Earth.

In view of the facts that I’ve mentioned, my goal of study is directed to the area ofenvironmental research, seeking to improve my skills, expanding my knowledge in the mostdiverse environments and can look up to the American models and then find clever solutionsto problems related to the Brazilian ecosystems.

The American culture presents some factors that arouse my attention, first, because

the people are very patriotic and second, because the people defends their nation above

anything. This, in my point of view greatly strengthen the development of a country!

Along with this, there is a factor about independence that Americans gets when they

starts in the college, the most part of students lives in the universities, where they spend

much of their time and can devote full time in their courses, helping them in vocational.

It is evident that the U.S. is a major economic power and, above all, is a country that

invests heavily in education, research and technology. Its universities have strong global

spotlight, in addition to reference research institutes in the area of medical and environmental

sciences, with emphasis on climate and sea.

In Brazil, the cost of investments in the biology course is high when compared to the

remuneration of the professional in action, a fact that ultimately discourages interest in

scientific research. I believe that a U.S. education will value my resume because I intend to

achieve enormous professional and personal experiences, since it is able to consult with

various renowned institutions, and of course the independent living in a country with a

language other than my mother tongue. The improvement of English is also an important part

of the process, since it is the language whose events and findings are published in the

scientific world, and is the universal language.

The science is constantly changing, and it is necessary to accompany them, so I

believe that the exchanges to the U.S. will allow me to monitor the development of new

techniques and technologies, and the opportunity to experience the routine laboratory, where

it will be possible to put into practice prior knowledge and newly obtained.

As a future biologist, I realize that experience and participate in studies in several

different environments of my usual, provide me discover my own adaptability. Moreover, I

intend to explore interdisciplinarity in the university, it is a exceptional chance to expand

knowledge of other areas and get join with my area, and this will become me more well

prepared for challenges both personal and professional field.

I have a huge fascination for toxicology, which in general is a very embracing area. In my lineof research, I search to develop a project in the field of environmental toxicology, facingdirectly the environmental area, aiming to know the effects that chemicals released into theenvironment can cause in the organisms, populations and communities on a larger scale.

Another field that I'm interested for the research development, are the studies of the potentialof natural toxins in animals and microorganisms, because I believe to be a promising areaand of great interest to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry.

Original

Tenho grande fascínio pela toxicologia, que no geral é uma área bem abrangente.Em minha linha de pesquisa, busco desenvolver um projeto na área de ecotoxicologia,voltado diretamente para a área ambiental, visando conhecer os efeitos que os produtosquímicos lançados no meio ambiente podem causar aos organismos, as populações e emmaior escala as comunidades.

Outra área da qual me interesso para o desenvolvimento de pesquisas são osestudos dos potenciais de toxinas naturais de animais e microorganismos, pois acredito seruma área promissora e de grande interesse da indústria farmacêutica e biotecnológica.