Doctoral student Mauro Oliveira named 2013-2014 UTSA Beldon Scholar
Mauro Gonzaga de Oliveira
![Oliveira](http://www.utsa.edu/today/images/students/oliveira.jpg)
Mauro Gonzaga de Oliveira
(July 17, 2013) -- Mauro Gonzaga de Oliveira has been named the 2013-2014 recipient of the Louise and Michael Beldon Doctoral Scholarship.
Oliveira hails from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and moved to the United States in 1996. In 1998, he completed an M.S. in chemical engineering at the University of Houston. After working for a few years as an engineer and project manager, he started his M.B.A. at the University of Texas at Austin.
"The M.B.A. was a decisive experience in my life," said Oliveria. "I met exceptional professors who introduced me to corporate finance, accounting, and macro and microeconomics. The inter-relationship of the [business] disciplines is what fascinated me the most."
After receiving his M.B.A. in 2005, Oliveira worked in the private sector developing and managing a business unit and supporting CFOs and CEOs with strategic planning. It was professionally rewarding work, but he desired a more sophisticated intellectual challenge -- an academic career in finance.
"As a first step [to a career in academia], I decided to resume my academic studies with an M.S. in finance at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) in preparation for a Ph.D." Oliveira graduated in May 2013, with a 4.0 grade point average and a master's degree in finance. Just before starting his second master's, Oliveira achieved U.S. citizenship status. He will start his Ph.D. in finance in the fall 2013 semester.
His research interest is corporate finance, and he wants to focus on the areas of mergers and acquisitions, valuations, studies related to capital structuring such as the issuing of equity and debt securities, IPOs, financial restructuring, bankruptcy and extend some of these analyses into the international arena.
Oliveira chose to remain at UTSA for his doctoral studies. "I was very impressed with the dedication and the quality of the faculty, which I had the privilege to meet during the master's in finance program," he said.
Two faculty members that stand out to Oliveira are Fathali Firoozi (economics) and Karan Bhanot (finance). "They mentored me in the consolidation of ideas. They are invested in their students' success both in the program and in preparation for post-graduate careers," he added. "They are the reason I continued at UTSA."
Being a recipient of the Beldon Scholarship is very important to Oliveira and his family, since he will not be working during the time he is in his doctoral program, dedicating his time solely to his academic studies. Post-graduation, he plans to stay in the South Texas/San Antonio area with his wife and two children.
"I love the area. I cannot think of any place I would rather raise my children and start a career in academia, contributing to society and to younger generations of students," Oliveira concluded.
Events
Cheer on the UTSA Soccer team as they take on Colorado State. Head over to Park West for this spirited experience!
Park West Athletic ComplexIn observance of Labor Day, UTSA will be closed on Monday, September 2. Plan a day exploring San Antonio with your roommate(s) and new friends.
Main Campus and Dowtown CampusLearn some planning, researching, and writing tips to help you with upcoming writing assignments.
Writing Center, (JPL 2.01.12D,) John Peace Library, Main CampusUTSA Police Department and Office of Risk and Emergency Management will host a safety information center with giveaways and interactive demonstrations. Both departments will provide information on services available to the UTSA community.
Student Union Window Lounge, Main CampusExplore ways of engaging with the community through our community-based work-study program. Voter registration and voter engagement opportunities with our community partners will also be shared.
McKinney Humanities Breezeway, Main CampusEnjoy an ice-cold paleta while learning about the parking options.
East Campus Lot 1 and Brackenridge Lot 5, Main CampusCelebrating and supporting MEN WHO TEACH! This event will bring together practicing professionals, future teachers in college, and high schoolers in the San Antonio area to connect and provide mentorship as they grow and learn in their education careers.
San Pedro I, Downtown Campus