As Massachusetts hosts over 82,000 international students, a standout innovator and former NCAA captain is bringing gamma-ray research and systems thinking to the Bay State’s science hubs.
Massachusetts, a global STEM powerhouse with over 82,000 international students in 2023–24 and a $3.9 billion infusion into the state economy this year, is home to leading institutions like MIT and UMass, known for driving innovation and research. Amid this ecosystem, Pedro Henrique da Silva Parmezani, a Brazilian-born physics prodigy and former NCAA athlete, is preparing to bring his expertise in gamma-ray research and systems engineering to the region.
Pedro’s journey began far from Boston’s innovation corridors. At age 15, he moved alone from Brazil to the U.S., later earning a Magna Cum Laude Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics (3.84 GPA) with Mathematics from West Virginia Wesleyan College. His accolades include the Outstanding Physics/Engineering Award, Senior Academic and Leadership Achievement Award, and membership in the All‑Mountain East Conference Academic Team.
“Moving eight times in Brazil, then coming here alone at 15, taught me to be resilient and self-driven,” Pedro reflects. “That grit is what fuels my science and systems-thinking today.”
Gamma Rays & Practical Innovation
As recipient of the 2024 SURE grant, Pedro undertook landmark research, “Gamma Rays in Nuclear Physics: Research and Applications”, analyzing how materials like lead, copper, brass, and plastics block gamma radiation. His findings suggest lightweight plastics may provide nearly equivalent protection to heavier metals, ideal for fields like aerospace, nuclear safety, and health.
“In space or medicine, every gram matters,” he explains. “Discovering lightweight shielding options means greater mobility without compromising safety.”
His work, involving MATLAB-driven simulations and real-world isotope testing (Cs-137, Co-60), produced a comprehensive 25-page thesis recognized for both its technical rigor and systems perspective.
Massachusetts leads the nation in its concentration of STEM-educated professionals, almost 21% of its workforce, outpacing the national average. With 502,291 international graduate students in the U.S. up 8%, and Massachusetts serving as a key hub, the stage is set for Pedro’s next stride.
NY institutions like MIT, where nearly 3,430 international students enrich research, and UMass’s global student body offer fertile ground for collaboration . Pedro’s focus on systems optimization, supply-chain resilience, and intelligent logistics resonates with the state’s leadership in AI, biotech, and green manufacturing.
“Massachusetts is where systems meet solutions, where data and design converge,” he says. “I want my research here to set new standards in efficiency and integrity.”
Beyond the lab, Pedro is a former NCAA Division II soccer captain, Resident Assistant, International Student Organization vice-president, and mentor in faith-based groups. Fluent in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, he bridges cultures with ease.
“Engineering is ultimately about people,” he shares. “Multicultural teams drive better solutions.”
International students like Pedro complement a state-ranked fourth nationwide for global enrollment with transformative local impact. With $3.9 billion in economic contributions, international presence underpins Massachusetts’ research, labs, and high-tech industries. As federal visa policies shift, Boston-area institutions are urging clarity for incoming students.
Pedro’s credentials, academic honors, athletic leadership, hands-on research, represent exactly the kind of talented individuals Massachusetts aims to attract and support.