Tomaz Neves-Garcia’s scientific journey has taken him from São Paulo to Ohio, with stops in the United Kingdom and Spain along the way. During his undergraduate studies at the University of São Paulo (USP), Neves-Garcia distinguished himself with research on magnetic films, earning honors at international conferences. His academic path continued via a scholarship to the University of Bristol in the U.K., where he deepened his expertise in electrochemistry. The next leg of his journey was earning a master’s degree in Spain focused on asymmetric catalysis.
After returning to Brazil, Neves-Garcia started his PhD in chemistry. He was then selected to be the first student in the dual-degree program between USP and The Ohio State University. Under the mentorship of Robert Baker in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, he researched CO₂ conversion using gold catalysts and earned dual doctoral degrees in 2024.
“Ohio State had a profound impact on both my career and personal growth. As part of a dual Ph.D. program with the University of São Paulo, I had the opportunity to work under the mentorship of Robert Baker and immerse myself in a highly collaborative and supportive research environment. My work here on carbon capture and conversion has shaped the way I think about science—with a focus not just on discovery, but on creating technologies that can address real-world challenges,” Neves-Garcia said.
As a postdoctoral researcher, Neves-Garcia is helping lead a study on CO₂ capture and the production of renewable fuels. “My experience helped me grow as a mentor and team member and gave me the chance to publish in leading journals and present at international conferences,” Neves-Garcia remarked.
"Being at Ohio State has made me feel part of a global scientific community and has greatly influenced the direction I hope to take in the future." Tomaz Neves-Garcia
His work was published in high-impact scientific publications, including a first-author paper in the Journal of the American Chemical Society (JACS), one of the most prestigious journals in the field of chemistry, as well as a feature in the Ohio State News.
Neves-Garcia fondly recalls how he was transformed into a Buckeye. “One of my most memorable experiences at Ohio State was attending Buckeyes football games with my wife. Since watching our first game at Ohio Stadium, we haven’t missed a single one. The energy, the traditions, and especially The Best Damn Band in the Land have made us fall in love with the experience. We’ve proudly cheered for the Buckeyes every step of the way, all the way through to their national championship. As someone who came from Brazil, I never expected college football to become such a meaningful part of my life—but it’s helped us feel connected to the Ohio State community in a way that goes far beyond academics.”