Students

Visiting scholar looks at Brazil’s milk production from the U.S.

2 Mins read
Rodrigo Curi
PDFPrint

Fulbright scholar Rodrigo Curi shares a recap of his time at UC San Diego working on his doctoral dissertation research examining public policies for milk producers impacted by climate change

By Rodrigo Curi | GPS News

Rodrigo CuriMy name is Rodrigo Curi and I am a Ph.D. student in São Paulo, Brazil studying economics. I had the opportunity to spend the year at the UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy (GPS) as a visiting researcher through the Fulbright program.

It was an experience that definitely changed my view of my field of study and the methodology of my research.

My research before arriving in the U.S. was structured as a qualitative analysis of climate vulnerability in the semiarid region of Brazil. After presenting my dissertation project to Professor Jennifer Burney – who was my formal advisor during this period – I was encouraged to expand my analysis to the whole country, focusing on milk producers.

This proved a challenge for me given my lack of experience in data analysis. But I had the motivation and support from the school to take courses on remote sensing and I am really grateful to Professor Gordon McCord for the warm welcome and excellent lessons.

With remote sensing, I learned how to collect and clean all the climate data necessary to test the impacts of precipitation and temperature trends on Brazilian milk production.

Additionally, I was invited to participate in Burney’s weekly research group where I learned more about research methodologies and received valuable suggestions for my thesis. I learned how to use statistical software and find better ways to approach data visualization, as well as assess the impacts of climate change on milk production and the resilience of the farmers in the country.

Burney was always available to meet with me and give me suggestions about my work, which was fundamental for my progress. She gave me the opportunity to participate in her GPS course on food security, which expanded my vision of how to link my research to public policies and programs for the milk producers impacted by climate change.

The staff at the school are wonderful and gave me a welcoming and friendly reception, and Fulbright gave me a cultural exchange and learning opportunity that proved to be a life-changing experience.

I return to Brazil with all the knowledge that I received at GPS and hope to make positive contributions to new public policy recommendations for Brazil’s milk producers.

Related posts
Students

Building cultural bridges in Japan

3 Mins read
Students share their experiences with the Kakehashi Program, which sponsored them on a week-long trip to Japan
Students

A fresh perspective on COP27

2 Mins read
International climate change conference leaves student attendees energized, encouraged about progress on tackling global issues
EventsFacultyResearchStudents

Meet the UC San Diego Delegates Headed to Egypt for UN Climate Conference

15 Mins read
Students and faculty from Scripps Institution of Oceanography and School of Global Policy and Strategy prepare to attend COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt