Master’s in Applied Mathematics, the Rio native applies machine learning techniques to challenges in the energy industry at Petrobras and shares his knowledge as a professor at FGV
Renato Aranha earned his Master’s in Applied Mathematics at FGV EMAp | Photo: Personal Archive
The career of Renato Aranha is an example of how postgraduate studies at the School of Applied Mathematics at Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV EMAp) can transform careers and open doors in both academia and the market. Today, the 39-year-old professional balances two roles: he is a data scientist at Petrobras, one of the largest oil, natural gas, and energy companies in the world, and a professor at FGV, where he teaches Matrix Methods and Cluster Analysis (in the MBA in Business Analytics and Big Data) and Machine Learning (Executive Program in Big Data).
This routine requires balancing applied research, the development of technological solutions, and training new professionals – something that, according to him, is only possible thanks to the solid education he received at the school.
“The theoretical and practical framework I gained at FGV EMAp is essential for what I do today. At Petrobras, I apply advanced concepts in statistics, data science, and machine learning daily to complex challenges in Geophysics. At FGV, I share this experience with students, showing how applied mathematics is present in real-world problems with national and international impact,” he says.
For Renato, the greatest strength of the master’s program at the institution is precisely preparing students to navigate different contexts: academic research, work in global companies, and teaching. This ability to combine academic excellence with practical application reflects one of FGV EMAp’s main differentiators.
Renato during his master’s thesis at the School – the postgraduate program helped the Rio native find the perfect balance between theoretical depth and the ability to turn data into useful knowledge | Photo: Personal Archive
Its structure provides a rigorous education, requiring conceptual depth while simultaneously promoting exposure to real-world problems, networks with companies, and research partnerships. “In my case, this combination was decisive. FGV EMAp was the link between my academic foundation, my entry into the high-tech market, and, later, my return as a professor,” he emphasizes.
From Childhood to the Discovery of Applied Mathematics
Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Renato grew up surrounded by academic influences at home. His father, a Physics professor, and his mother, a statistician, always encouraged his scientific curiosity. From an early age, he was interested in experiments, calculations, and logic challenges. “I remember watching the physics experiments my father prepared for his classes and going with him to the National Observatory to observe the sky. These moments sparked my curiosity about natural phenomena and how they could be explained in a simple and fascinating way,” he recalls.
This family environment focused on the exact sciences influenced Renato’s choices for university entrance exams. Faced with Mathematics, Information Systems, and Physics, he chose the latter.
During his undergraduate studies, he developed a strong appreciation for how Physics explained the world, and he quickly realized that Mathematics played a central role in all modeling, theories, and analyses. It was at this point that his passion for Applied Mathematics was born.
Throughout his Physics studies, Renato delved into areas involving experimentation and computational modeling, which naturally brought him closer to data science. “I realized that Mathematics was not just a supporting language for Physics, but a tool with a life of its own, capable of generating solutions to complex problems in any field,” he recalls. This awakening motivated him to seek new paths that combined his background in Physics with the direct application of Mathematics to concrete problems.
The decision to pursue Applied Mathematics was, therefore, a turning point. It was in this field that Renato found the perfect balance between abstraction and applicability, between theoretical depth and the ability to transform data into useful knowledge. This choice led him to FGV EMAp, where he began a new stage of his academic and professional life.
The Experience in FGV EMAp’s Master’s Program
Renato emphasizes that his time at the School was a decisive milestone in his career. This experience prepared him not only to understand advanced mathematical concepts but also to translate them into tools with real-world market impact.
Renato balances his role as a professor at FGV with his work as a data scientist at Petrobras | Photo: Personal Archive
He recalls that the intense routine of the master’s program required discipline and resilience. “It was a period of intense study and dedication, but also of intellectual discovery. Each course was challenging and seemed to open a new window of possibilities for research and practical application,” he remembers. Interaction with highly qualified professors and colleagues from different fields also contributed to building a diverse skill set, essential for his current work.
The networking opportunities at FGV EMAp were another crucial aspect. During the program, Renato had the chance to engage with top professionals and participate in applied research projects that broadened his career perspective. This network opened doors to opportunities at IBM, and later, the solid academic foundation he acquired was decisive in passing the selection process at Petrobras. “The School not only provided me with technical knowledge but also placed me in an ecosystem of innovation and academic excellence that made all the difference,” he says.
His thesis proposed a method to estimate the macroscopic fundamental diagram of traffic in Rio de Janeiro using GPS data from buses. “This work taught me how to handle massive and noisy datasets, an experience very similar to the challenges I face today in the industry,” he explains. More than an academic exercise, the research was an important step in connecting theory with the reality of urban Brazil.
The Rio native recalls with enthusiasm how he applied a sophisticated mathematical topic directly to the practical life of the city where he was born. “It was a moment of personal and professional fulfillment. I was able to use advanced modeling and statistical concepts to address a concrete problem in Rio de Janeiro, which is traffic. It proved that Applied Mathematics can indeed transform people’s reality,” he comments.
Professors also highlighted the impact of his work, as it connected an urgent urban challenge with the sophistication of mathematical methods. This applied perspective strengthened his conviction that Applied Mathematics should not be limited to abstract equations, but must seek direct societal impact.
Work at Petrobras: Data Science Serving Energy and Innovation
At Petrobras, Renato found an environment where data science and geophysics intersect with strategic challenges for the country. He works on projects related to the interpretation of seismic volumes, a crucial step in oil and gas exploration. “Our work is to transform raw information, collected from depths of up to 7,000 meters, into clear and actionable knowledge for geologists and engineers. We use machine learning models that identify patterns in large seismic datasets, something very difficult to achieve through human analysis alone,” he explains.
Among the projects he has participated in, notable initiatives focus on automating seismic interpretation, allowing geoscientists to analyze large volumes of data more quickly and consistently. “Today, we can extract relevant information with greater precision and reliability. This not only reduces costs but also increases the accuracy of decision-making in a sector that is strategic for Brazil,” he says. The use of neural networks and classification algorithms has also been fundamental in reducing exploration risks, improving the prioritization of high-potential areas, avoiding unnecessary drilling, and optimizing resources.
At Petrobras, Renato found an environment where data science connects to strategic challenges for the country | Photo: Personal Archive
Another aspect Renato values is the collective impact of the work. “At Petrobras, I understood the social and economic significance of what we do. Our efforts in data science applied to geophysics help ensure Brazil’s energy self-sufficiency and strengthen the country’s presence in the international energy market. It is applied science with a direct impact on the lives of millions of Brazilians,” he emphasizes.
Ongoing Connection with FGV
At the same time, Renato maintains a strong connection with FGV as a professor in two MBA programs. “Teaching at the same institution where I graduated is a way to give back and inspire new generations.”
For those who wish to follow a similar path, Renato advises making the most of the experience at FGV EMAp. “Dive deep into the theoretical concepts, but also seek to apply this knowledge in practical projects. And most importantly, build your network – it can open many doors, both in academia and in the market,” he recommends.
Renato on a field trip with Petrobras, studying the formation process of salt geological layers | Photo: Personal Archive
Renato Aranha’s story is an example of how postgraduate studies at FGV EMAp prepare professionals to navigate both academic research and market challenges, transforming mathematical knowledge into innovative solutions for real-world problems.
Applications Open for Postgraduate Program
Applications for FGV EMAp’s postgraduate programs are open until September 30. The school offers Master’s and Doctoral programs in Applied Mathematics and Data Science, designed for those who wish to deepen their knowledge in research, mathematical modeling, and innovative applications across a wide range of fields.
YOU CAN ALSO READ: