About Me
I am Pedro Henrique da Silva Parmezani, a research scientist from Brazil and a former NCAA Division II collegiate athlete, currently based in the United States. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Applied Physics with a minor in Mathematics from West Virginia Wesleyan College, where I graduated Magna Cum Laude and received multiple academic honors, including the Outstanding Achievement in Physics/Engineering Award and the Senior Academic and Leadership Achievement Award.
As a SURE Grant recipient, I conducted research in nuclear physics, focusing on gamma-ray attenuation and material optimization. Beyond academics, I served as captain of my college’s soccer team, worked as a Resident Assistant, and held the position of Vice President of the International Student Organization.
I am fluent in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, bringing a global perspective, strong leadership skills, and a deep commitment to systems innovation.
I am currently pursuing a Master’s in Industrial and Operations Engineering, specializing in systems optimization, logistics, and engineering for large-scale impact.
Research Scientist | Applied Physicist | Systems Thinker | Former NCAA Athlete
Adaptability as a Constant Experience
Throughout my life, adaptability has been more than a personal trait — it has been a constant experience. I moved cities eight times during my childhood, and at fifteen, I immigrated alone to the United States in pursuit of academic and athletic growth. These experiences shaped who I am and strengthened my resilience. As a Brazilian-born student-athlete and researcher, I now find myself at the intersection of science, systems, and leadership, ready to expand my impact through graduate studies in Industrial and Operations Engineering.
The Desire to Explore the World
I moved alone to the United States at the age of 15 in pursuit of education and soccer. This experience taught me independence and how to navigate unfamiliar systems. I had to learn to lead myself before leading others. This pivotal decision — leaving my family, my country, and my comfort zone — laid the foundation for who I have become: an empathetic leader, a purpose-driven innovator, and a mission-oriented researcher.
Growing up in Brazil immersed me in a culture that values creativity, connection, and adaptability. I have always believed that leadership is built through empathy, community, and effective communication. These values are deeply ingrained in how I collaborate and pursue innovation. From an early age, I learned to maximize limited resources — a skill I carry into every engineering challenge I face.
International Career
I chose to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Physics at West Virginia Wesleyan College, where I graduated Magna Cum Laude.
Initially, my curiosity was focused on understanding the “why” behind natural phenomena. Over time, however, I discovered a passion for applying these principles on a larger scale. Applied Physics provided me with the right mindset to tackle real-world problems, and I realized I wanted to connect this technical knowledge to optimization and innovation at a systemic level.
My research on gamma-ray attenuation, funded by the SURE program, explored lightweight and efficient materials for radiation shielding, with potential applications in aerospace, medical, and nuclear fields — particularly in contexts where weight is critical, such as space missions.
As a trilingual professional (Portuguese, English, and Spanish), I bring cultural intelligence and a global perspective to interdisciplinary teams. Having lived in different countries, experienced diverse educational systems, and engaged with various professional cultures, I have developed a unique sensitivity for international collaboration — an increasingly essential skill in systems engineering projects that cross borders and industries.
