My name is Silas Júnior, and I am a student passionate about agriculture, nature, and technology. I am a member of the Oceanographic Observatory at the Fluminense Federal University (UFF), where I divide my time between research projects, outreach activities, and science communication (and I’ve been learning more and more that science, while serious, can be incredibly fun!). Influenced directly by my maternal grandfather (the famous Grandpa Lico!), I decided to follow a path that began in childhood, walking with him through our family’s farm. Those moments planted in me the desire to better understand the rural environment and environmental processes. That is how I chose to major in Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, also here at UFF. I have a deep interest in agricultural technologies, especially regarding vegetation indices, forecasting, and modeling applied to the field. Lately, I have become increasingly fascinated by the topic of climate change—specifically how drought can impact not only agricultural production and water supply but also cause profound social effects, directly hitting regions where agriculture is the primary source of income. I am part of the Oceanographic Observatory team, working on the Antarctic Observatory project. There, I apply remote sensing and programming techniques to evaluate environmental changes in Antarctica—a true natural laboratory for how the planet’s climate is shifting (and who knows, perhaps becoming greener…). Additionally, I am leading the development of Project IARA (Acoustic Instrument for Water Level Monitoring). My mission is to adapt this technology, originally from the Oceanographic Observatory, for the context of Agricultural Engineering. My goal is to democratize access to technology by creating a water resource and climate variable monitoring system that runs entirely on solar energy, ensuring practical and intelligent data. Outside the academic world, I am moved by the “little big things” in life. I love being in contact with nature, watching the sunset (moments that recharge the soul), enjoying a nice day at the beach, and practicing outdoor sports. Music also holds a special place in my life. And, of course, nothing beats good conversations filled with laughter among friends to pass the time.
📧 You can contact me at: silasjunior@id.uff.br