I am a Clinical Assistant Professor of Companion Animal Nutrition in the Department of Animal Sciences at the University of Illinois, focusing on teaching, Extension, and consulting. I am also affiliated with the Lemann Center for Brazilian Studies. I earned my DVM, Master’s, and PhD from the University of São Paulo, Brazil, and completed postdoctoral training at Illinois. My work advances evidence-based nutrition for companion animals through education, outreach, and applied research. I focus on nutritional strategies and the microbiome to support obesity management, gastrointestinal, oral, and skin health, as well as ingredient and diet digestibility, translating science into practical guidance for veterinarians, pet owners, and industry professionals. I have authored 79 peer-reviewed publications (23 first-author; h-index 19; i10-index 33) with over 1,000 citations. I collaborate with academic and industry partners to improve pet food development and animal health and have trained students nationally and internationally. I serve as Guest and Associate Editor for Animals and Frontiers in Veterinary Science and am active in professional organizations advancing companion animal nutrition. Through teaching, Extension, and consulting, I aim to bridge research and practice to promote long, healthy lives for companion animals.