Beatriz Schmidt, PhD, from the Federal University of Rio do Sul (UFRGS) and current faculty member at Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG) received two best PhD dissertation awards (in psychology and in humanities) from CAPES (Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel), Brazil’s most important federal research funding and supporting agency, and from the Ayrton Senna Institute for Education. Ohio State faculty member, Sarah Schoppe-Sullivan, co-advised the dissertation during Schmidt’s time as a visiting scholar at Ohio State in 2018.

“Being the winner of the CAPES best dissertation in Psychology Award together with the CAPES best dissertation in Humanities Award was such a joyous occasion,” said Schmidt. “These awards are very important distinctions for early career scholars in Brazil, as is my case. It is a great honor to know that my dissertation has been recognized for its originality, and also scientific and social relevance. I am grateful to my advisor, Professor Piccinini (UFRGS), and my co-advisors, Professors Frizzo (UFRGS) and Schoppe-Sullivan (Ohio State), for advising me and being so supportive throughout my doctoral pathway.”

Her time as a visiting scholar working with Schoppe-Sullivan enabled Schmidt to enhance knowledge in her scholarly areas of interest. She was able to discuss data pertaining to her dissertation, regarding co-parenting across the transition to parenthood in Brazilian families, and presented posters at scientific events.

“These opportunities played a very important role in achieving the awards, given that they helped me improve the quality of my dissertation and enhanced my research skills,” said Schmidt.