Wagner Souza Leite is a second-year Rehabilitation PhD student. He is mentored by Dr. Barbara Smith.
Hometown
Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
Mentor
Dr. Barbara Smith
Briefly describe your research area
My research focuses on understanding breathing dysfunction in critical care settings and among individuals with neuromuscular diseases, with the aim of developing rehabilitation strategies to improve respiratory care.
If you had a bumper sticker to highlight your research, what would it say?
“Breath by Breath: Advancing Respiratory Health”
Why did you choose the UF Rehabilitation Science PhD program?
I chose the UF RSD program for its team of dedicated professors and researchers. As I am interested in respiratory care, I found interesting their collaborative aspect with the bench-to-bed approach, investigating the mechanisms underlying impaired breathing and translating their findings into improved therapeutic approaches. My research background involves studying the impact of improper mechanical ventilation management on the lungs, its association with poor patient outcomes, and optimizing these practices for better clinical outcomes in critically ill patients. To further my research education, I explored the profiles of these leading professors in the UF RSD program and found that their work aligned well with my goal of expanding my pulmonary-focused perspective on studying breathing.
What do you like best about living in Gainesville, Florida?
I enjoy the surroundings of Gainesville the most—the springs and the state parks. Moving from coastal cities in Brazil, I redirected my passion for beaches towards these gems near Gainesville, which changed my view of how environmentally rich Florida is. I always recommend them in conversations when I share how much I enjoy living here.
How do you balance your academic responsibilities, personal life, and other interests?
That’s a challenging question. I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all answer, but dedicating time to organization has helped me avoid feeling overwhelmed as responsibilities accumulate. This involves listing task priorities weekly or even daily, allowing me to budget time accordingly. I also ensure to include self-care activities like getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising regularly, and spending quality time with friends.