MVARC is as a venture of experienced researchers with a background on biology, agroecology, forestry and agroforestry, mixed with strong computer skills, originated from years of modelling production ecology and resource efficiency.
Living in cities in several parts of Europe, we chose staying in the peace of Moinhos de Vento, a small village typical of southern Portugal, where elders are the resilient souls, bringing warmth, kindness, experience and local knowledge. The overall mission of MVARC is to strategically join research skills within an agroecology context, while having fun doing so.
Jo Smith, our dynamic Senior Researcher with a remarkable academic background. Jo holds a prestigious PhD in Soil Ecology in Agricultural Systems, showcasing her deep expertise in the intricate world beneath our feet. With over a decade of dedicated research, Jo has been at the forefront of exploring innovative solutions for a sustainable future.
For more than a decade, Jo has been on a passionate journey, delving into the fascinating realm of agroforestry. She's dedicated herself to unlocking the secrets of this visionary approach, which harmonizes food and fiber production with the preservation and enhancement of our precious environment.
Jo's commitment to creating a better world through her work is nothing short of inspiring. Her unparalleled expertise and unwavering dedication make her an invaluable asset to our team. In addition to her extensive research, Jo has published more than 50 peer-reviewed papers, solidifying her reputation as a leading authority in her field. Her contributions to the scientific community have had a lasting impact on sustainable land management practices.
With Jo Smith on our team, we are confident that our programs will continue to drive positive change on a global scale, thanks to her profound knowledge, dedication, and impressive research accomplishments.
Ana Tomás, our accomplished Researcher who brings a diverse and impressive skill set to our team. Ana is a true polymath in the field of environmental sustainability. With a Master's degree in Forest Engineering and Natural Resources, Ana's educational background underscores her deep-rooted passion for the natural world.
Ana's professional journey has been nothing short of remarkable. She has actively collaborated with forest owner associations, demonstrating her dedication to grassroots conservation efforts. Her roles have encompassed a wide array of responsibilities, from conducting comprehensive land surveys to harnessing the power of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for insightful analysis. Ana's keen project development and monitoring skills have played a pivotal role in shaping successful initiatives.
But Ana's talents don't stop there. She is a versatile software developer, proficient in Java, Javascript, and Python. Her programming prowess has been instrumental in the development of cutting-edge agroforestry models and web applications, revolutionizing the way we approach sustainable land management.
Beyond her technical acumen, Ana has a knack for fostering collaboration and engagement. Her expertise extends to the establishment and nurturing of stakeholder networks, ensuring that our projects have a lasting impact on the communities they serve.
Ana Tomás is the embodiment of a modern-day eco-renaissance person, and her multifaceted skills make her an invaluable asset to our team. With her on board, we are poised to make even greater strides in our mission to create a greener, more sustainable world.
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João Palma, our visionary Director, whose illustrious career has left an indelible mark in the fields of Production Ecology and Resource Conservation. With a distinguished PhD in these areas, João's academic journey has been marked by an insatiable thirst for knowledge and a relentless commitment to driving innovation.
João is not just a researcher; he's a trailblazer in process-based modeling, with a particular focus on agroforestry resource use efficiency. His deep-rooted expertise has enabled him to unravel the intricacies of sustainable land management, providing invaluable insights that shape the future of our planet.
But João's talents don't end with academia. He's a virtuoso in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and environmental modeling, harnessing technology to chart new frontiers in environmental sustainability.
João is also a versatile interface and tools developer, proficient in various programming languages, including web-based platforms. His ability to bridge the gap between complex data and user-friendly applications has revolutionized the way we interact with environmental data.
In 2022, João's dedication and groundbreaking research were recognized on a global scale. He achieved a remarkable milestone, being ranked in the top 2% of the most cited researchers worldwide in the areas of forestry and agroforestry. This recognition underscores his profound impact on the scientific community and his unwavering commitment to advancing sustainable practices.
João Palma's leadership and expertise drive our organization's mission to create a more sustainable and resilient world. With him at the helm, we are poised for even greater achievements in the realm of environmental conservation and resource management.