The research examined the impacts of human activities on the biodiversity of freshwater aquatic ecosystems
Hong Zhu, a researcher in the Graduate Program in Ecology of Aquatic and Continental Environments (Programa de Pós-graduação em Ecologia de Ambientes Aquáticos Continentais – PEA) at the State University of Maringá (Universidade Estadual de Maringá – UEM), became the first Chinese doctor to obtain a doctoral degree from the institution. She was also awarded a scholarship from the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (Capes) for the entire period of her research.
The thesis, entitled “Anthropogenic pressures on tropical freshwater communities: directly, indirectly and global research trends,” examined biodiversity loss in freshwater systems caused by the impacts of human activities, such as urbanization and climate change. The research was advised by Professor Roger Paulo Mormul, from the Department of Biology (Departamento de Biologia – DBI), and was based on field data, experiments, and bibliometric analyses.
The Thesis Defense Committee, for the thesis defended in December 2024, was composed of the following faculty members: Roger Paulo Mormul, from UEM; Danielle Katharine Petsch, from the São Paulo State University “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (Universidade Estadual Paulista – Unesp); Aline Rosado, from UEM; Luiz Carlos Gomes, from UEM; Sidinei Magela Thomaz, from UEM; Bruno Renaly Souza Figueiredo, from the Federal University of Santa Catarina (Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina – UFSC); and André Andrian Padial, from the Federal University of Paraná (Universidade Federal do Paraná – UFPR).
Thesis Defense Committee during the thesis defense
Reports
Hong Zhu described herself as fortunate to work in an environment that fostered her academic and personal growth. “The overall atmosphere of the program is welcoming, with faculty and staff members who are approachable and always willing to provide guidance,” the student said.
She also highlighted the commitment of PEA and the Research Center for Limnology, Ichthyology, and Aquaculture (Núcleo de Pesquisas em Limnologia, Ictiologia e Aquicultura – Nupélia) to internationalization through courses taught in English, workshops, and an inclusive academic culture. “I really enjoyed interacting with international and local students, which created a collaborative and supportive work environment.”
“The research facilities provided by Nupélia were excellent. I was able to conduct experiments efficiently, from sample collection to advanced analysis. I was particularly grateful for the resources available at the Advanced Research Base in the municipality of Porto Rico, which offered opportunities to study aquatic environments and taxa.”
The researcher also stated that “the combination of world-class research facilities, excellent geographical conditions, and a strong academic base” makes PEA a center of excellence for the study of aquatic ecology. “It is not only an ideal place for scientific research, but also a welcoming home for international students.”
Journey
The student's journey began at the 10th International Wetlands Conference, held in China in 2016. At the time, professors Roger Paulo Mormul and Sidinei Magela Thomaz expressed interest in welcoming students from other countries.
Following that opportunity, Professor Dong Xie, from Nanjing Forestry University, located in China, informed them that one of his students was interested in carrying out an exchange program in the professors' field of expertise (Freshwater Ecosystem Ecology).
This led to the first contact with student Hong Zhu, which enabled her to come to UEM in 2018 for an exchange period during her master's degree.
In the following year, PEA launched an exclusive call for applications in English for candidates of other nationalities, which was disseminated to the program's international contacts. It was through this opportunity that the student, now in China and with her master's degree completed, expressed interest in returning to Brazil to pursue a doctorate.
She was accepted in the selection process and was awarded a Capes scholarship. The entire process, from admission and evaluation to qualification and thesis defense, was conducted in English.
*Text written under the supervision of journalists from the Media Relations Committee (Assessoria de Comunicação Social – ASC).
Translation team:
Felipe Amorim Piva
Julia Pedriali Rosa