Marilia Coutinho

Independent Scholar

About Me

Marilia Coutinho (USA/Brazil) is an independent scholar with a multi-disciplinary background: she earned her Ph.D. in sociology of science (1994) after an M.S. in chemical ecology (1989) and a B.Ss. (1985) in the American equivalent of a major in biology and a minor in chemistry.

Her alma mater is the University of São Paulo. Her past research ranged from parasites membrane proteins and host-parasite molecular interaction to designing institutional technology transfer agencies, and health, science and technology public policy.

My Experience

Researcher, professor, and now independent scholar with a multi-disciplinary background in the natural and social sciences with 30 years of college teaching and research experience
Social scientist with 15 years of experience in writing and advising in the field of mental health/suffering and physical activity, suicide and rape.
Researcher, team leader and technical writer with 28 years of experience in developing research projects, from design, strategic planning, state-of-the-art assessment, team construction and leading, project management and translating results into products for final users in the health sciences.

My Skills

Technical Writer

Experienced technical writer for a variety of audiences and information needs, ranging from academic papers, technical reports, popular science articles and many others. Technical writing in strength training and powerlifting since 2007.

Research design and management

Designed all research projects conducted, from early conception to detailed strategies.

Leadership, Team Building & Team Management

Selected junior researchers, organized team building strategies, advised students and was principal investigator in a number of government and private foundation grant projects.

Innovative solutions for corporations

Devised creative information solutions for different corporations, during product development, consumer assessment and others.

Independent Scholar/Innovator

Started own business in 2005 and developed research and information solutions for a variety of needs, ranging from electoral research, public policy (especially health policy), the fitness market and the food market. Recently, created continued education courses, and offers consultancy in strength training.

Connect With Marilia

Profesional Experience Summary

2013 – present

MC Academic Researh and Training LLC (owner): publishing, teaching, and webinars in exercise and mental health, suicide and rape; continued education programs in strength training, consultancy to gyms (client retention, program design), online coaching and coach supervision. Consultancy to health professionals (literature review on drugs, mechanisms of action, pathologic conditions, and report, problem-solving strategies). Academic peer-reviewed publishing, maintaining regular article columns in publishing outlets, advocacy writing. Focus on suicide, autism, obesity, and strength training.

2005 – 2017

Merton MZM Consultoria em Pesquisa (owner): qualitative market research projects, critical analysis, conferences and workshops in the health sciences. Main clients: BIREME, Political organizations, VN Promoções e eventos, PPA gastronomia. Graduate teaching on a diversity of health and training related topics.

2001-2004

University of São Paulo: Research project – Assessment of the Biotechnology Research Potential of Amazonian Research Institutes and Higher Education Organizations. Published articles about Chagas Disease, biopiracy and bioprospection.

2001-2003

University of São Paulo: Research project – Intellectual property rights and biological research in Brazil. Lead and advised a group of student research assistants, published peer reviewed articles and reports. Served the faculty community, advising it on intellectual property matters, and created the projects of two technology transfer agencies.

2000-2002

University of São Paulo: Research project – Agricultural and Environmental Sciences in Brazil. Lead and advised a group of student research assistants, published peer reviewed articles and reports.

1998-2000

Visiting Professor at the University of Florida (Gainesville, Florida, United States). Developed and taught the course “History and sociology of science, technology and medicine in Latin America”; published peer-reviewed articles about Chagas Disease in several periodicals; studied, published and presented results in international conferences about prostate cancer policy-making.

1997-1998

Visiting Professor at the University of Brasilia (Brasilia, Brazil). Developed the first mandatory online course at the UnB; developed and taught the course “Science, technology and government”.

1995-1997

University of São Paulo. Research project: Scientific Excellence in Brazil.

1994-1996

University of São Paulo. Research project: The institutionalization of Ecology and Environmental Sciences in Brazil.

1995-1996

University of São Paulo. Research project: History of Research in Chagas Disease

Marilia has been a columnist for elitefts since 2016. In this timeframe, it's been wonderful working with her. Marilia's extensive wealth of knowledge and robust research skills (in an array of topics) has produced more than 60 pieces on the site. She marries statistics with personal experiences beautifully and it's ultimately her educational approach.

Sheena Leedham, M.Ed.

Managing Editor at elitefts.com

I have known Marilia for some decades now, although our contacts were less frequent than I would like to. We met as undergraduate students in the Biology course of University of São Paulo. Later on, we interacted several times in the academic environment, usually around subjects related to the philosophy and sociology of science, transdisciplinarity, and coproduction of knowledge. I have no doubt Marilia has one of the sharpest minds I know. Her broad academic background, her sharp analytical skills, and her strong democratic values are addicting for those struggling to help make the world a better place.

Dr. Pedro Luís Bernardo da Rocha

I met Marilia when, after concluding her studies in biological sciences, she approached me willing to write a doctoral dissertation in sociology of sciences, on tropical medicine and the discovery of Chagas disease in Brazil. Since then, Marilia never ceased do surprise me by her brilliance, breath of knowledge and the intensity and courage with which she approaches whatever she does, in sports, political participation, study, writing, debating and dealing with the dilemmas of personal life. She is force of nature, and I it is wonderful to be her friend.

Simon Schwartzman

Latest Articles

How I can Help you

Need help with research? Marilia is here. Looking to get stronger? Let Marilia show you the way.

Research Consultancy

A reliable and experienced research consultant who can help you with your research needs.

Strength Coaching Service

Achieve your strength training goals with a customized training program designed specifically for you.