Caio Figueiredo grew up in São Paulo, Brazil, and earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Universidade Anhembi Morumbi in 2017. He initiated his Master of Veterinary Sciences at the University of Florida shortly after. During his MS program, Caio’s research was predominantly related to uterine diseases, reproductive efficiency, and application of different assisted reproduction techniques in dairy cattle. In 2019, he concluded his MS program and began his PhD program at the University of Florida. In 2023, Caio moved to Washington State University as an assistant professor in Veterinary Medicine Extension. He continues to pursue his research interests that include understanding mechanisms of uterine disease establishment and cure in dairy cows, development of alternative therapy for the treatment of metritis, and implementation of precision technology in dairy operations, among others.
Q: What drew you to WSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine?
Initially, I was drawn to WSU because of some of the big names in science who work or have worked here. In addition, Washington has a large and progressive dairy industry, which is something exciting for a dairy researcher. Every day that passes I am more confident I made the right choice, as the state is pretty, the people are friendly, and this institution is very supportive.
Q: What attracted you to your research area?
Before I concluded my DVM degree I wanted to be a horse reproduction veterinarian. My interest in dairy cow reproduction came in 2016, while I was working on my first research project with dairy cows (the project is published: “Using chitosan microparticles to treat metritis in lactating dairy cows”). During that time, I worked under the mentorship of Dr. Klibs Galvão at the University of Florida, and he was a major influencer in my decision. My advisor for the MS and PhD program was Dr. Rafael Bisinotto, and he was key to increasing my passion for dairy reproduction and, especially, research.
Q: What about your research work are you most excited for/proud of and why?
I am proud of all my research work, including collaborations I have with friends from other universities; however, what excites me every day is to be able to make a connection between applied and basic science research, and collaborations. I believe we cannot significantly impact agriculture on our own, so collaboration is key to reach to the next level.
Q: What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I am a heavy metal drummer and I had four bands simultaneously at a given time in Brazil.