CPS Grad Spotlight - Mauricio Barcelos Haag
Name: Mauricio Barcelos Haag
MSc or PhD Candidate: PhD Candidate
Location of Undergraduate Education: BSc in Geology and MSc in Earth Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul
Name of the Lab at CPS: Schoenbohm Lab
Selected Awards: Globalink Graduate Fellowship, MITACS Canada (2021-2022); Graduate Research Award, Geo- and Thermochronology Lab, University of Calgary (2022-2023); Research Grant, Geological Society of London (2023).
Selected Research Contributions: Google Scholars (https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=jI73A8gAAAAJ)
- Haag, M.B., Schoenbohm, L.M., Jess, S., Sommer, C.A., & Endrizzi, G. (2024). Lithological influence on bedrock incision and transience: Insights from the Aparados da Serra Escarpment, southeast Brazil. EGU General Assembly 2024, EGU24-682, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-682
- Haag, M.B., Baez, W.A., Sommer, C.A., Arnosio, J.M., & Filipovich, R.E. (2019). Geomorphology and spatial distribution of monogenetic volcanoes in the southern Puna Plateau (NW Argentina). Geomorphology 342, 196-209. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geomorph.2019.06.008
- Amarante, F.B. & Haag, M.B. (2024). Earth science for all? The economic barrier to European geoscience conferences. Geosci. Commun. 7, 245-250. https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-7-245-2024
- Santos, F.S., Sommer, C.A., Haag, M.B., Báez, W.A., Caselli, A.T., & Báez, A.D. (2022). Tectonic controls on geomorphology and spatial distribution of monogenetic volcanoes in the Central Southern Volcanic Zone of the Andes (Argentina). Geomorphology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geomorph.2022.108130
Mauricio, please tell us about yourself and your journey as a PhD Candidate!
How did you come to UTM? What interested you to join a lab here?
During my bachelor’s degree in Brazil, I was conducting research in the Puna Plateau in the Central Andes, Argentina. It was then that I came across Professor Lindsay Schoenbohm's work on monogenetic volcanoes and tectonics in the region, which immediately sparked my interest. Geomorphology, particularly tectonic geomorphology, is still an emerging field in my home country, so the idea that we can gain insights into tectonic processes by studying the landscape and topography was fascinating to me. After reaching out to Professor Schoenbohm to discuss potential projects, I decided to apply for graduate school at UTM—and was thrilled when I received the offer!
When did you realize that you wanted to pursue a graduate study?
I was exposed to research early on in high school, and from that moment, I knew I wanted to become a researcher. Research, and the scientific method, are the best tools we have to uncover the unknown and better understand the world around us. Nearly all the comfort and advancements we enjoy today stem from the hard work of scientists, whether in basic or applied research. Pursuing a PhD felt like the natural next step in fulfilling that goal and contributing to the advancement of knowledge.
During my bachelor’s degree, I also realized I wanted to gain international experience, so I worked to build a strong CV. I joined the volcanology research group at the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, led by Professor Carlos Sommer, researching geochemistry and volcanology. At that time, I also began collaborating with Professor Jairo Savian on geophysics projects. Under their mentorship, I learned a great deal about fieldwork, data processing, and writing, all essential components of geological research. I also had the chance to collaborate with researchers both in Brazil and abroad. These positive experiences had a great impact on my career and solidified my desire to pursue graduate studies.
What are your research interests? Tell us few exciting things about your research.
My research focuses on understanding why landscapes look the way they do. This includes addressing questions like, “How old are these mountains? Why is one region taller than another? What processes control erosion rates?” While these questions may seem abstract, they have real-world applications. For example, understanding the key drivers of erosion can improve our knowledge of geohazards like landslides and floods, imminent threats to many communities in today’s world.
For my PhD, Professor Schoenbohm and I are investigating the factors that control topography and erosion rates in the Paraná-Etendeka Large Igneous Province in Southeast Brazil. This area is particularly interesting because it serves as a relatively tectonically stable laboratory, allowing us to study how different rock types and climate factors shape the landscape. You can peek at how my research looks like by accessing this 3D model on Sketchfab.
What is your goal when you finish your degree?
I plan to continue conducting research, to expand my skill set and explore new areas of inquiry.
Additionally, I am passionate about contributing to equity and diversity in the Geosciences. As a Latino, my cultural background sometimes provides me with unique perspectives, allowing me to approach problems from different angles, and I hope to inspire others from underrepresented groups to pursue careers in this field.
Lastly, I aim to gain more teaching experience, as I believe that sharing knowledge is not only essential to my personal growth but also a key component of fostering the next generation of scientists.
What are some of your achievements you'd like to share?
I am a competitive person and enjoy challenging myself, especially when it comes to applying for grants and effectively communicating my ideas. As a non-native English speaker, I tend to take writing as an enjoyable challenge. Over the past few years, my academic achievements include a few research grants, including one from the University of Calgary to collaborate with Professor Eva Enkelmann, and another from the Geological Society of London to conduct detailed field mapping in my research area.
However, above all, my biggest achievement is that I have been happily married for over three years!
Do you have any advice for students considering to pursue graduate studies in research?
In my opinion, graduate school is all about problem-solving and effectively communicating your ideas. Therefore, the first step is to find a research problem that you’re passionate about—something so important to you that will keep you motivated through the challenges.
Secondly, take full advantage of the opportunities available during grad school. One of the most valuable skills you can develop is project management, along with the ability to communicate your ideas clearly. For example, working closely with my supervisor, Professor Lindsay Schoenbohm, has taught me a great deal about project management and organization strategies. Also, a grant writing workshop offered by Professor Marc Laflamme at UTM completely transformed how I approach grant applications. These experiences are invaluable and unique to graduate school, so make the most of them!
Lastly, it’s crucial to take care of yourself. Completing a PhD can be incredibly demanding—experiments may fail, papers may face harsh reviews and/or financial challenges may arise. A lot can happen over the course of four (and maybe more) years! That’s why it’s so important to be kind to yourself and build a strong support network to help you navigate the ups and downs. Take lots of walks, respect your limits, drink lots of coffee/tea, and have a good time!
