Hi, I am Vitor and I am an addicted to learning
If you’re reading this in the spirit of an AA (Academic Anonymous) meeting, then we’re quite literally on the same page. I’m constantly in pursuit of new knowledge and take great pride in applying what I learn, not just for my own growth, but to help others grow as well. Think of me as someone who is deeply passionate about both teaching and learning. I thrive on the process of discovering new things, and I’m always looking for ways to translate these insights into practical, actionable terms.
My approach involves extensive note-taking and carefully studying the slides from the courses I attend, but my learning goes beyond the content itself. I focus on understanding the “how” and “why” behind the way people teach and learn a given subject, enabling me to adapt and share this knowledge effectively.
If you don’t find me in a classroom setting, there’s a good chance I’m at an event, workshop, seminar, or conference. These venues are where I continue to engage with diverse groups, expand my network, and, of course, deepen my knowledge.
I have a strong ability to navigate between academia and both the public and private sectors, making it easy for me to bridge gaps and foster collaboration across different fields.
Below, I’ll share a selection of the courses I’ve completed, and you can expect me to be well-equipped to train you, your team, or even run your course with the same dedication and enthusiasm that I apply to my own learning journey.
Environmental Engineering
I graduated in Environmental Engineering from the Centro Universitário Fundação Santo André (CUFSA), where I developed a solid technical foundation in areas such as water resources management, wastewater treatment, and environmental impact assessment. Throughout the program, I gained hands-on experience in analyzing and managing environmental processes, with opportunities to work in specialized laboratories and participate in projects that challenged me to find innovative solutions to environmental issues. My education was also strongly supported by courses in mathematics and physics, which prepared me to tackle complex technical problems.
In addition to technical skills, I refined essential soft skills such as teamwork, effective communication, and leadership. I participated in extension activities and academic mobility programs, which broadened my global perspective and adaptability to different contexts. With the support of a highly qualified faculty, most of whom hold master’s and doctoral degrees, I gained not only technical knowledge but also problem-solving and innovation skills, which I consider crucial for success in the professional world.
Lean Startup Launchpad
In the Lean LaunchPad course, I gained hands-on experience in building a startup through an evidence-based methodology, which focused on experiential learning rather than traditional business plans. I learned to use the Business Model Canvas to identify and test key components of a business, and the Customer Development process, which involved engaging directly with customers to validate or invalidate business hypotheses. The course also taught me how to use Agile Development to quickly iterate on products and build Minimal Viable Products (MVPs) based on customer feedback.
In addition to these hard skills, the course helped me develop essential soft skills. Through teamwork and collaboration, I learned how to effectively self-organize, assume roles, and contribute insights within a team. My communication skills improved through weekly presentations and feedback sessions, where I practiced articulating my ideas and customer discovery findings. I also sharpened my critical thinking by constantly challenging assumptions and making data-driven decisions based on customer interviews. The fast-paced nature of the course helped me build resilience, adaptability, and time management skills as I navigated the uncertainties of a startup environment. Additionally, I learned valuable lessons on market analysis, financial acumen, and channel strategy, all of which contribute to a comprehensive approach to launching a successful business.
Instructional Design
I hold a specialization in Education and Technologies, with a focus on Instructional Design from the Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar). During the course, I deepened my knowledge in the creation and development of effective learning materials and environments, with an emphasis on distance education (e-learning). I learned to design pedagogical projects, develop instructional materials and digital educational resources, as well as understand the application of active methodologies and educational technologies in teaching.
With a duration of 18 months and offered in a distance learning format, the course provided me with the flexibility to combine different specializations, such as Instructional Design and Active Methodologies and Learning. The experience also allowed me to explore topics like Games and Gamification in Education, Distance Education Management, and the production of Educational Media Resources. With this training, I am equipped to create innovative solutions for teaching, particularly in the e-learning context, integrating technologies and modern pedagogical approaches.
UX (User Experience) Design
I completed the Google UX Design Professional Certificate, a comprehensive program designed to equip individuals with the skills needed for entry-level UX design roles. Over the course of seven modules, I learned the full UX design process, including empathizing with users, defining pain points, ideating solutions, creating wireframes and prototypes, and conducting usability testing. I gained practical experience using design tools like Figma and developed a professional UX portfolio with three end-to-end projects.
This program also emphasized foundational concepts such as user-centered design, accessibility, and equity-focused design. I developed skills in wireframing, user flows, prototyping, and conducting user research. Additionally, I learned how to integrate AI tools to improve design iteration and stakeholder communication. With career coaching, interview practice, and a focus on preparing for the job market, I am now ready to pursue roles in UX design, with a deep understanding of both the technical and human-centered aspects of the field.
Project Management
I completed the Google Project Management Professional Certificate, a comprehensive program designed to prepare individuals for entry-level project management roles. The program covered key areas such as project initiation, planning, execution, and Agile project management, providing over 140 hours of instruction and hands-on assessments. I gained practical skills in project management, risk management, stakeholder management, and the use of tools like Scrum. The program also integrated AI to improve project planning, communication, and decision-making.
With a focus on both hard and soft skills, the certificate taught me to manage projects effectively, communicate with stakeholders, and solve problems in dynamic environments. The capstone project allowed me to apply my knowledge in real-world scenarios, creating project charters and reports. Upon completion, I am equipped to pursue entry-level project management roles, with a strong foundation in both traditional and Agile methodologies, as well as practical experience with industry-standard tools.
Effectuation
I completed the “Effectuation: Lessons From Expert Entrepreneurs” course offered by the University of Virginia. Taught by Saras Sarasvathy, the course focuses on the principles of effectual entrepreneurship, emphasizing how to think and act as an entrepreneur rather than getting into the specific details of starting a business. Through real-life examples, I learned key concepts like idea generation, co-creation, effectual reasoning, persuasive communication, and failure management.
The course taught me the five principles of effectuation: Bird-in-Hand (starting with available means), Affordable Loss (limiting potential losses), Crazy Quilt (building partnerships), Lemonade (leveraging surprises), and Pilot-in-the-Plane (embracing the journey). By applying these principles in an iterative process, I gained valuable insights into overcoming uncertainty and managing the entrepreneurial process. This knowledge has equipped me to navigate the complexities of launching new ventures with an effectual mindset.
Innovation Management
I completed the Innovation Management course, a partnership between Condor Connect, the Laboratório de Inovação em Inteligência Empreendedora (Labiie), and the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR). This course focused on equipping professionals and entrepreneurs with the skills needed to lead innovation teams and manage innovation projects. It covered critical topics such as corporate intelligence, Lean Startup methodology, business model innovation, agile methodologies, and investment in innovation.
The course combined business concepts with real market practices and included over 2,000 hours of content delivered through online lessons and live webinars. I gained hands-on experience in applying agile methodologies, selecting innovative projects, and managing research and development projects to drive corporate innovation. I completed the program in 8 weeks, earning certification from UFPR.
Innovation Diplomacy
I participated in the InnSciD SP program, the world’s first school dedicated to both Innovation and Science Diplomacy, launched in 2019 by the Institute of Advanced Studies at the University of São Paulo (IEA-USP). This program has become a global platform for dialogue on science and innovation diplomacy, exploring key issues such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) from the perspective of the Global South.
Through the program, I engaged in discussions with leading global experts and gained valuable insights into how AI can be harnessed in science and diplomacy.
Technological Innovation
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