Camila Catherine de Morais Cassundé Guides Students in the Future Mentors Program
Camila Catherine de Morais Cassundé, a PhD student in the Purdue School of Sustainability Engineering and Environmental Engineering (SEE), is currently guiding undergraduate students in STEM research in the Future Mentors Program.
In the Purdue John Martinson Honors College, the Future Mentors Program helps prepare the next generation of research mentors “by offering evidence-based mentor training for graduate students who are or would like to begin mentoring undergraduates in STEM research. This credit-bearing program is ideal for doctoral students who plan to pursue a career in academia or leadership roles in industry as well as undergraduate students who are looking to complete the JMHC’s scholarly project requirement.”
When asked what she values about the Honors College, Camila shared,
“the Honors College at Purdue is important because it provides a challenging academic experience with exclusive research opportunities, which can lead to a stronger resume and help undergraduate students to establish themselves as skilled professionals in the future.”
Research is an important part of Camila’s own academic journey. She is currently exploring the sustainability within the built environment, non-conventional materials, life cycle assessment, and social sustainability under the guidance of Professor John W. Sutherland. Camila earned her B.S. degree in Architecture and Urban Planning in 2016 and her M.S. in Sustainability in 2024 from the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS) in Brazil.
“My future goal is to pursue a faculty position in academia, where I can teach and do research, while helping students from minority backgrounds to develop,” said Camila.
Camila is already playing a significant role in helping students grow. When talking about the Future Mentors Program, Camila highlighted:
“To me, the mentoring process is the most exciting part. I love seeing my mentees' growth and professional development, and I am looking forward to seeing the project we are working on together taking form.”
Camila credits SEE as a foundation for multidisciplinary professional development.
“The best part of the School of Sustainability Engineering and Environmental Engineering is how multidisciplinary it is. We see graduate students from all types of backgrounds, with the most diverse research areas, pursuing sustainable solutions to ensure long-term economic, environmental, and social well-being.”
For more information about Purdue’s School of Sustainability Engineering and Environmental Engineering, please visit: https://engineering.purdue.edu/SEE.