Glaucia Helena Carvalho do Prado Celebrated as Woman in STEM and International Scholar
In keeping with its commitment to the equitable representation and advancement of women in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), UC Davis continues to welcome and support women working in STEM fields as they arrive on campus from all over the world. Through a network of faculty, staff, centers and clubs, UC Davis provides university resources and mentorship.
All international students and scholars (faculty and researchers) work with the Services for International Students and Scholars office, which prepares documents for their U.S. visa applications, offers help with immigration and visa issues, and fosters a sense of community in their new home at UC Davis. Glaucia Helena Carvalho do Prado, an assistant professor of teaching in the chemical engineering department, is one international scholar lighting the way for women and girls in STEM who is actively contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through research, teaching and service.
Born and raised in Brazil, Prado moved to Canada to complete her Ph.D. in chemical engineering before coming on board as an assistant professor of teaching at UC Davis in 2021. Her current research in engineering education focuses on students' wellness and mental health in engineering as well as culturally relevant pedagogy and scientific history.
"While looking for inspiration in published literature, I found data suggesting that engineering students are less likely to practice self-care and seek help when going through mental health distress," she says. "This finding served as motivation to develop and deliver an elective course to promote wellness among engineering students and show its relationship with engineering practice and leadership. My research helps students develop and exercise such skills so they can consider the human aspect in their engineering decisions and the communities impacted by their proposed solutions."
As a child, Prado never imagined becoming an engineering professor, let alone one who teaches in a different language. However, this career trajectory now allows her to serve as a trusted resource to students, helping mentor them to achieve their full potential.
"It is my hope that my research will inspire, engage and guide the next generation of women and girls in STEM to be confident using their technical knowledge to solve problems that will impact our society while also remembering the importance of taking care of their mental health and wellness," she says.