From Brazilian roots to American breakthroughs, meet the young prodigy merging physics, leadership, and innovation to shape the future of systems engineering.
At just 21, Pedro Henrique da Silva Parmezani embodies the perfect intersection of academic brilliance, global perspective, and resilient leadership. Born in Brazil and currently based in the United States, the young Research Scientist, applied Physicist, System Thinker and former NCAA Athlete is already leaving his mark in the world of physics and systems engineering, with a story that is both inspiring and groundbreaking.
“I moved to the U.S. alone at 15, chasing education and soccer,” Pedro shares. “It taught me independence and how to navigate unfamiliar systems. I had to lead myself before leading others.” That pivotal decision, leaving his family, country, and comfort zone, laid the foundation for the person Pedro would become: an empathetic leader, a thoughtful innovator, and a researcher with a mission.
Growing up in Brazil, Pedro was surrounded by a culture that values creativity, connection, and adaptability. “Leadership in Brazil is often built on empathy, community, and communication,” he says. “Those values are deeply embedded in the way I work with teams and approach innovation.” His background instilled a mindset of making the most with limited resources, a skill he carries into every engineering challenge he tackles.
Pedro pursued a Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics at West Virginia Wesleyan College, graduating magna cum laude. Initially drawn to physics out of curiosity for the “why” behind the natural world, he soon discovered a passion for applying those principles on a larger scale. “Applied Physics gave me the mindset for solving real-world problems,” he explains. “I realized I wanted to connect that technical knowledge with optimization and innovation at a systems level.”
This intellectual shift materialized through his acclaimed research on gamma-ray attenuation. Funded by the college’s prestigious Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE), Pedro explored the effectiveness of various materials in absorbing gamma radiation, work that could impact radiation shielding in aerospace, healthcare, and nuclear safety. “In space travel, where weight is critical, identifying lightweight but effective shielding materials could improve astronaut safety without compromising mission efficiency,” he says.
His research, which blended hands-on experimentation with digital simulation and technical analysis, earned him the Outstanding Physics/Engineering Award and established him as a rising voice in scientific circles. “I approach research with curiosity and a strong sense of purpose,” Pedro explains. “It’s not just about solving problems, it’s about how we solve them, and for whom.”
“What excites me most about systems engineering is its ability to integrate modeling, optimization, and real-world applications to drive meaningful outcomes, an ideal environment for someone like me, who thrives at the convergence of science and leadership”, explains. He also states that In the long term, he envisions himself leading transformative projects in industries that shape how we live, travel, and consume resources.
Sports, Leadership & Discipline
Pedro’s vision doesn’t end in the lab. As a four-year collegiate soccer player and team captain, he honed a discipline that seamlessly complements his academic pursuits. “Soccer taught me time management, perseverance, and how to lead under pressure,” he reflects. “Those same principles apply to scientific research and teamwork in engineering.”
Recognized not just for his accomplishments but for his character, Pedro received the Individual Spirit & Sportsmanship Award and was invited to deliver the graduation prayer at his college’s (West Virginia Wesleyan) Baccalaureate Ceremony. “I shared a message of gratitude and reflection,” he recalls. “It was about celebrating growth, not just achievements, but how far we’ve all come.”
According to Pedro, this was a reminder that integrity and empathy are as vital as intellect in any career. “As a four-year varsity athlete, I balanced approximately 20 hours per week of training, film review, travel, and match play with the demands of a rigorous STEM curriculum,” explains. “This dual commitment has instilled in me a work ethic that is unshakable and a mindset that thrives under pressure”.
Pedro’s leadership philosophy is rooted in humility, service, and empowerment. “I lead by example. I listen first, speak with purpose, and try to create shared ownership in every team I work with,” he says. “Every person is different, and part of leadership is learning how to communicate and collaborate with all kinds of people.”
He has also contributed meaningfully through community service. “I have volunteered at an orphanage in Campinas, Brazil, participated in the Water Sustainability Awareness Project in Florida, and joined the Adopt-A-Highway environmental initiative in West Virginia,” says. “These experiences reinforced my belief in purpose-driven work and environmental stewardship”.
His global mindset is equally integral to his success. Fluent in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, and active in international student organizations, Pedro understands that today’s challenges require multicultural collaboration. “It helps me design solutions for real-world complexity,” he says. “Engineering problems don’t exist in isolation, they affect people across cultures and systems.”
Global Perspective & Future Vision
Looking ahead, Pedro plans to pursue a Master of Science in Systems Engineering at Virginia Tech, where he hopes to focus on AI integration, smart manufacturing, and sustainable logistics. “I want to work at the intersection of technology and humanity, using systems thinking to address supply chain disruptions, energy efficiency, and more,” he shares. “In five years, I see myself contributing to innovation in a research lab or forward-thinking company, always with an eye on real-world impact.”
Even as his career trajectory accelerates, Pedro remains grounded in his core values: integrity, humility, and purpose. “I believe in doing excellent work for the right reasons,” he says. “I stay focused by remembering where I came from and who I’m doing it for.”
When asked what advice he’d give to other international students chasing their dreams, Pedro doesn’t hesitate. “It’s okay to start scared, just don’t stay there. Be bold enough to leave your comfort zone, and humble enough to learn from every step,” he says. “You’re more capable than you know.”
From nuclear physics research to systems optimization and global collaboration, Pedro Parmezani is building a future where science meets empathy, and innovation is powered by values. The world may call him a prodigy, but he’s more than that. He’s a leader. A scientist. And without a doubt, a name to watch.
