He holds a bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences from the Federal University of São Carlos (1987), a Master's Degree in Biological Sciences (Zoology) from the Federal University of Paraíba (1990) and a PhD in Biological Sciences (Zoology) from the University of São Paulo (1994). Currently Associate Professor IV of the Federal University of Minas Gerais. He has experience in the area of ​​Zoology, with emphasis in Philogenetic Systematics, having worked mainly in the following subjects: teleostei, neotropical, taxonomy of the recent groups, Gymnotiformes, Siluriformes (Trichomycteridae), Characiformes (Astyanax and related genera) and Australoheros genus (Cichlidae). Currently works mainly with evolutionary patterns and processes regarding the origin of Tetrapoda (Sarcopterygii), having published two articles in the theme.

Origins and Evolution of Sarcopterygii, Taxonomy of the last groups: Phylogeny of electric fish of the family Apteronotidae (Gymnotiformes: Teleostei), Taxonomy of recent groups: systematics and biogeography of brook fish (Teleostei), Taxonomy and phylogeny of electric fish of the families Sternopygidae, Rhamphichthyidae and Gymnotidae (Gymnotiformes, Teleostei).