BCoE Student Hall of Fame 2026: Rejane Paulino

What is your name, age, classification and major?

I’m Rejane (Jane) Paulino, 32-years old, PhD candidate in Biosystem Engineering.

What year did you begin studying at MSU, and when is your expected graduation date?

My start was Fall 2023, and my expected graduation date is Summer 2026.

Why did you choose to attend MSU, and why did you choose an engineering field of study?

My background is in environmental and sanitary engineering, with a master's in remote sensing, and I’m now finishing my PhD in Biosystems Engineering at MSU. When I decided to go to college after high school, I always considered engineering options (first chemical engineering, then environmental engineering as my second option). At the time, I thought I was ‘good’ at math, so engineering seemed like a fit. But now I can see that engineering is more than numbers; it is about solving problems with tons of room for creativity and curiosity. Both have motivated my career goals. My engineering journey has given me a passion for research and science, and MSU has played a key role in making that path possible.

What are your favorite campus organizations you have become a part of?

My research group, Geospatial Computing for Earth Observation Research (GCER) Lab, is housed in the ABE and led by Dr. Vitor Martins, my current advisor. The special part of our lab is the collaboration and the space for questions, ideas, and creativity, with a real goal of producing serious and relevant research.

Being part of this group has helped me grow as a researcher and has also allowed me to work closely with brilliant people whom I truly admire!

Also, I would like to highlight the Graduate Student Association. The association hosted many great events that I had the chance to participate in during my PhD. These events made me feel part of the university community and were essential for connecting with other students and enjoying time with friends. Thank you, GSA!

What has been your favorite course you have taken at MSU and why?

My favorite courses during my PhD were Remote Sensing with Dr. Jenny Du in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Academic Research and Writing with instructor Jesse Ivy in the International Institute. Both were the first courses of my PhD in fall 2023. The first was special because it gave me valuable insights I could apply to my research, and the second was also special because it gave me the chance to learn about and experience the international culture at the university; because this course brings students from different nationalities, I had the opportunity to exchange a lot of cultural experiences with colleagues.

What is one thing you have learned related to engineering during your time at the Bagley College of Engineering?

One of the most important lessons I learned during my time at the Bagley College of Engineering is the value of approaching every project with professionalism and purpose. This means being open to opportunities, always collaborating, and fully committing to the work at hand. I would like to highlight a Brazilian-Portuguese poem by Fernando Pessoa that captures this idea well:

“To be great, be whole: exclude nothing,
Exaggerate nothing that is not you.
Be whole in everything. Put all you are
Into the smallest thing you do.
So, in each lake, the moon shines with splendor
Because it blooms up above.”

How has MSU and, specifically, the Bagley College of Engineering prepared you for professional life after college?

MSU and the Bagley College of Engineering have prepared me for professional life by combining strong training with real-world problem-solving and research experience. My PhD has been a very rewarding journey that has helped me develop both technical and communication skills. Overall, this experience has made me a more independent, adaptable, and confident professional, better equipped to address challenges in my field.

What are your plans after graduation?

After my graduation (Summer/2026), I will work as a postdoctoral researcher in Dr. Sasha Kramer’s lab at Boston University. My postdoctoral project will explore the capabilities and advances of hyperspectral remote sensing, using NASA’s PACE mission to derive phytoplankton community composition in the ocean.

What will you miss most about MSU after you graduate?

Mainly, I will miss the MSU community and my colleagues in the GCER Lab and ABE. I will also miss walking across the Drill Field and sitting under the trees, enjoying our beautiful campus.