Growing up in São Paulo, Brazil, Dr. Maria R. C. de Godoy developed a love for animals at a young age. She grew up in a dairy goat farm and was always surrounded by pet animals. Her aptitude with animals and interest in biology, physiology, and teaching pushed her towards earning a B.S. degree in Animal Sciences at the University of the State of São Paulo, Botucatu, Brazil, and her M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Animal Sciences and Animal and Food Sciences with emphasis on companion animal and comparative nutrition at University of Illinois and the University of Kentucky in 2007 and 2011, respectively. During her doctoral program, she also completed a Certificate in College Teaching and Learning.  

Dr. Godoy joined the Department of Animal Sciences as an Assistant Professor of Companion Animal and Comparative Nutrition in August, 2015. She is also a faculty member in the Division of Nutritional Sciences and affiliated with the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology. The focus of her research program is on companion animal and comparative nutrition with 3 main overarching goals: 1. analytical methods and animal models for evaluation of nutritional adequacy of novel ingredients; 2. the effects of processing on pet food quality, nutritional value, and safety; and 3. the role of nutraceuticals in health and wellness of pets.  

In 2021, Dr. Godoy was promoted to Associate Professor and was a recipient of the 2021 Campus Distinguished Promotion Award at the University of Illinois. Dr. Godoy’s research program has received grant support from federal funding agencies, commodity associations, and the private sector. Her research expertise and scientific contributions to the field of companion animal and comparative nutrition have received national and international recognition. She has given presentations at national and international conferences in the U.S., Europe, Asia, and South America. Dr. Godoy has been involved in the development, implementation, and teaching of several courses and certificate programs for undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Illinois. Dr. Godoy is an avid supporter of education through research, teaching and outreach, and actively involved in initiatives to champion diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in our community.