Jefferson Matheus Barros Ozório
Life Sciences
Born in Mato Grosso do Sul, Jefferson loves tradition and innovation. He is passionate about making a good teréré and feels that sharing this drink is a moment of connection with the culture of his land. In his free time, the melody of his guitar accompanies his searches and reveals his lesser-known side.
The scientist is developing a project to calculate the time it takes to restore important ecological interactions in areas undergoing restoration, a fundamental step in environmental conservation. Jefferson has a degree in environmental technology and management, a master’s in agronomy, and a doctorate in natural resources, all from the State University of Mato Grosso do Sul.
With a restless mind, he always looks for creative solutions to everyday problems, whether in research or at home. The results are gadgets and tools that Jefferson creates to take measurements. Passionate about the São Paulo tricolor, he follows the games with a faithful dog and seven feline companions.
Projects
Environmental restoration, especially reforestation, is critical to revitalizing degraded ecosystems. However, the recovery of soil health and the complex ecological interactions within the soil may lag behind the visible restoration of vegetation. This project aims to estimate the time required to fully restore these vital ecological interactions, including the complex relationships between soil organisms, soil properties, and the ecosystem’s ability to sequester atmospheric CO2. To accomplish this, we are studying three reforestation sites at different stages of recovery, along with a comparable undisturbed site as a reference. This study will provide valuable data to support the development of incentive programs, guide the establishment of new protected areas, and inform the design of payments for ecosystem services projects. This knowledge will ultimately contribute to more effective restoration efforts and ensure restored ecosystems’ long-term health and functionality.
