She holds a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of São Paulo (1984), a Master's in Structural Engineering from the School of Engineering of São Carlos (1987), and a PhD in Structural Engineering from the School of Engineering of São Carlos (1993). She is currently a full professor at the State University of Campinas. She has experience in the field of forest resources and forestry engineering, with a focus on the physical and mechanical properties of wood; the nondestructive testing of wood, timber and trees; and biomechanics.