Sergio grew up in Sao Paulo, Brazil. His love for animals led to his B.S. degree in Animal Sciences at the University of the State of São Paulo in Botucatu, Brazil. During his undergrad, Sergio acted as Vice President for a non-ruminant nutrition student organization (GENAM) as well as worked with research for swine nutrition and biotechnology in equine production. Sergio came to the University of Illinois as a visiting scholar because of his interest in companion animal nutrition. He is currently studying for a Ph.D. under the direction of Dr. Godoy in the Division of Nutritional Sciences. His research primarily focuses on the use of selected nutraceuticals in feline nutrition.