Mr. Rafael Siqueira | Nutrition | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Rafael Siqueira, Federal university of Bahia, Brazil

Rafael Pena Siqueira is a distinguished nutritionist and academic with a comprehensive background in nutrition, biosciences, and public health. He completed his PhD in Nutrition at the Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), focusing on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the lifestyle of higher education professionals and students. His Master’s degree explored analytical methods for detecting uranium in breast milk, further demonstrating his expertise in biosciences. Throughout his career, he has been actively involved in teaching, research, and extension activities at UFBA, where he supervises nutrition internships, oversees university food services, and participates in various academic committees. Rafael has also contributed to community health education, delivering lectures and courses on nutrition and public health. His ongoing research focuses on mental health and chronic diseases during the pandemic, highlighting his commitment to addressing real-world health challenges through innovative research.

Professional Profile

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Summary of Suitability for the Award

Rafael Pena Siqueira is a well-rounded candidate for the “Research for Best Researcher Award,” showcasing a solid academic and research background in the field of Nutrition. With a Ph.D. focused on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on lifestyle habits within higher education, Siqueira has tackled timely and relevant issues, demonstrating his ability to conduct impactful research. His prior work includes a Master’s thesis on the development of analytical methods for uranium detection in breast milk, highlighting his technical expertise in biosciences and health research.

 Education 

Rafael Pena Siqueira holds a PhD in Nutrition from the Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), where he conducted a cohort study on the lifestyle impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on students and faculty members in Brazilian higher education. His academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition from UFBA’s Anísio Teixeira Campus, followed by a Master’s degree in Biosciences, where he developed an analytical method for detecting uranium in breast milk. His studies reflect a strong foundation in health and biosciences, with a focus on clinical and public health nutrition. Additionally, Rafael has pursued specialized courses, including Clinical Nutrition and Public Health from UNIGRAD, and short-term certifications in maternal and infant nutrition, sexually transmitted infections, and nutrition biochemistry. His education showcases a commitment to both academic excellence and practical applications in the field of nutrition, equipping him with the skills to address critical health issues.

   Experience 

Rafael Pena Siqueira has amassed extensive experience in both academic and public health sectors. Since 2016, he has been serving as a Technical Officer in Nutrition and Dietetics at the Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), where he supervises collective feeding internships, supports research and extension activities, and oversees food services contracts for the university’s dining facilities. Rafael has also served as an invited professor, teaching courses on topics like database research and artificial intelligence tools for scientific research. His role extends beyond the classroom, as he participates in various academic committees, including biosafety and internship coordination. He also facilitated community health education, acting as a mediator in courses designed to enhance the care for chronic non-communicable diseases in Bahia. His diverse roles highlight his ability to integrate academic knowledge with practical applications in nutrition and public health.

  Awards and Honors 

Rafael Pena Siqueira has earned several accolades throughout his career, recognizing his contributions to nutrition and public health. In 2021, he received an award for his research on incorporating sociobiodiversity foods into the school diets of children with special dietary needs. This project, developed as part of the Postgraduate Program in Food and Nutrition at UFPR, exemplifies his commitment to improving public health through sustainable and inclusive dietary practices. Additionally, Rafael has been a scholarship recipient of prestigious Brazilian research agencies such as FAPESB and CNPq, which supported his studies and research projects during his Master’s and PhD programs. These honors underscore his expertise in the field of nutrition and his ongoing dedication to advancing nutritional science for the benefit of both academic communities and broader society.

  Research Focus 

Rafael Pena Siqueira’s research primarily revolves around public health, nutrition, and the effects of chronic diseases. His current focus is on the mental health and lifestyle changes of students and educators in Brazilian higher education during the COVID-19 pandemic. This research is part of his PhD thesis at UFBA, where he examines how the pandemic has impacted physical activity, dietary habits, and mental health within academic settings. Previously, his Master’s research involved developing analytical methods for detecting uranium in breast milk, showcasing his expertise in biosciences. Rafael also explores community health interventions, particularly the integration of sociobiodiversity foods in school meals, and has contributed to courses and public health projects addressing chronic non-communicable diseases in Bahia. His work aims to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical health solutions, contributing to the improvement of public health through evidence-based nutritional practices.

  Publication Top Notes