15/04/2025

'The environment I was looking for for my undergraduate studies,' says IMPA Tech student.

What's it like to study at IMPA Tech? For Lisandra Menezes, a newly admitted undergraduate student, it's a dream come true. The 18-year-old left Porto Alegre (RS) in search of the ideal environment to pursue higher education. It was in Porto Maravalley, in the port area of Rio de Janeiro, that Lisandra found her academic calling. “People here don't like to be idle and always want to be learning something. That's incredible. It was exactly the environment I was looking for when I thought about a degree,” she said in an interview for the #AlémDasEquações segment.

The student was also accepted into three other institutions: USP (University of São Paulo) to study Data Science and Computer Science, FGV (Getúlio Vargas Foundation) for Data Science, and UFRGS (Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul) for Computer Science, but she chose the IMPA undergraduate program to continue her studies. “The IMPA Tech curriculum is strong in mathematics and programming, which are two things I really enjoy. I already had a preference for the IMPA undergraduate program when I decided I would pursue a bachelor's degree focused on STEM fields.”

Lisandra has won 5 medals in the OBMEP (Brazilian Mathematics Olympiad for Public Schools): 1 gold, 2 silver, and 2 bronze. Thanks to her achievements in the competition, the young woman was able to prepare for the Military College of Porto Alegre, the institution where she completed all of her high school education. “When I won my first medal in the OBMEP, I realized that mathematics could change my life. I continued taking the school exams and, thanks to the medals in the Olympiad, I won a scholarship to the preparatory course for the military college.”

While still in high school, the student aced the math section of the ENEM (National High School Exam) in both her second and third years, but was admitted to IMPA Tech through her knowledge medals. "I chose to enter through the medals because they were difficult to earn, and each one has its own value."

Medalhas conquistadas por Lisandra na OBMEP

The OBMEP Portal was also an ally for the student during her academic journey. “The website is very comprehensive, the classes and essay questions are very good. It has video solutions and games for all levels. I was able to develop my mathematical writing and improve in that area,” she stated.

Lisandra also participated in programs aimed at medalists in the scientific competition, such as the Junior Scientific Initiation Program (PIC). “I participated in the PIC for 4 years and did a year of Mentors. I thought it was really cool. Now, already in undergraduate studies, I realize that many of the things I learned back then are helping me, such as graphs, virtual simulations, and programming languages.”

After a month of classes in Rio de Janeiro, the student is certain she made the ideal choice. “The environment really appealed to me. I noticed that there are many medalists here, people who are interested in studying and really enjoy mathematics. I'm finding the experience very cool. I also noticed that we are encouraged to explore other places outside the classroom, like the trip to the Riachuelo Theater .”

With the goal of bringing together the best students in Brazil, IMPA Tech offers air and ground transportation for the start of undergraduate studies and student housing, in partnership with the Rio de Janeiro City Hall. Students also receive financial aid and food. “The aid is very important. I wouldn't be able to leave Rio Grande do Sul to live in another state. It's a very high cost, but here there is this incentive. It seemed like IMPA Tech really wanted me to be here,” the young woman emphasized.

Already missing home, Lisandra recalled her family's reaction upon discovering her acceptance to IMPA Tech and her final choice to pursue her bachelor's degree at Porto Maravalley. "My parents were very happy with the decision because they realized that the degree suited me and they also saw that IMPA Tech offers incredible opportunities," she said.