Brasília (DF) – It was his seven years of service in the Amazon that made Sergeant Gilson Debastiani return to Paraná with the idea of studying alternative forms of electricity supply. As a result of this interest, he started a Master’s degree in Energy in Agriculture in 2010.
But that wasn’t all. Almost a decade later, he has continued his research until he completes his PhD in Energy Engineering in Agriculture in 2022 – an area that has already contributed greatly to the Army’s own need to obtain electricity in a sustainable way. For now-Lieutenant Debastiani, professional development is the result of a commitment to hard work.
“Initially, no one will be able to grow professionally as long as they stay in their comfort zone. Doing only what we learned in military school and in the routines performed during our career makes the work we do monotonous and, more often than not, repetitive and stressful. Even though we know that the path to qualification and technical improvement requires a lot of dedication, effort, discipline, commitment and sacrifice, the recognition of our superiors, peers and subordinates, as well as the national and international scientific community, makes up for all the sacrifices made during the courses.”
Debastiani also stresses the importance of striving to develop. “In addition to personal appreciation and recognition, the main personal benefit I see is the possibility of applying academic knowledge in the workplace. Knowledge is the greatest asset we have and no one can take it away from us. The more we use it and share it, the more it becomes intrinsic to our routine.”