Paula Nicácio Hirata

Academic Manager for the Distance Learning segment at UniFAJ, with broad expertise in process management, project management and people leadership. Responsible for planning and executing integrative projects, I also serve as a Design Instructor, structuring learning experiences aligned with market demands. As a faculty member, I teach courses in Project Management, Process Management, Risk Management & Compliance, Corporate Governance, ESG and other strategic management disciplines — developing professionals with systemic thinking and analytical skills for complex environments.

Working as an Academic Consultant at Cogna with a focus on process management and operational quality. I use Artificial Intelligence as my primary work interface — identifying bottlenecks, accelerating solutions and implementing improvements that enhance the efficiency of academic workflows. I combine a technical background in Engineering, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and a Master's degree in Education to deliver a unique perspective: smarter processes in service of learning.

Conducting internal audits to ensure organizational compliance and continuous alignment with ISO 9001 Quality Management Standards, driving process consistency and operational excellence across the organization.

Conducting internal audits of contracts with Petrobras, focusing on contractual compliance, risk management and adherence to technical, regulatory and operational requirements of the oil and gas sector. Responsible for identifying deviations, preparing audit reports and proposing corrective actions, ensuring process integrity and legal security of contractual relationships.

Integrated coordination of Quality, Safety, Environment and Health (QHSSE) fronts on a large-scale project — Transmission Line, Substation and Nitrogenous Fertilizers Unit (UFN III) — ensuring full compliance with ISO 9001, OHSAS 18001 and ISO 14001 standards. Quality: Assembly and management of the project Databook, ensuring document traceability and compliance with ISO 9001 Safety: Monitoring and control of employee safety procedures in accordance with OHSAS 18001 Environment: Management of disposal, receiving and environmental compliance activities according to ISO 14001 Health: Monitoring of employee medical records and overall well-being Responsible for meeting all Petrobras inspection requirements across audits conducted, ensuring full regulatory compliance and operational excellence.

Supervision of Quality Management through the Projectools platform, responsible for the technical and documentary management of the construction and assembly of the FPSO vessel MV-23 Cidade de São Paulo, in partnership with MTOPS (Modec Toyo Offshore Production and Systems). Responsible for the preparation and control of the project Databook, as well as conducting internal audits with the HR department to verify employee document compliance, ensuring adherence to the legal, contractual and operational requirements of the project.

Field research at the Abrolhos Archipelago-BA, focusing on behavioral monitoring and study of Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), including identification of new individuals, birth records, reproductive patterns and song analysis. Cataloging: Identification and registration of new individuals through fluke pattern analysis, cross-referenced with the Antarctica catalog for tracking visiting individuals Genetics: Participation in a scientific expedition for genetic material collection from whales, contributing to conservation and biodiversity research Dolphins: Population monitoring of Sotalia guianensis dolphins along the southern coast of Bahia, with behavioral recording and spatial distribution mapping of the species

Served as a monitor for the Instrumentation course, responsible for providing pedagogical support to students and actively contributing to the teaching and learning process. Tutoring: Systematic student support, guiding the understanding of theoretical content and its practical application Practical Classes: Guidance on the correct use of instruments and equipment, ensuring safety and effective learning during laboratory and field activities Didactics: Development of innovative teaching methods and materials for Biology education, including learning objects and pedagogical resources adapted to students' needs Planning: Support in the preparation of lesson plans and didactic texts, contributing to the quality and consistency of the course content

Served as a Botany laboratory monitor, responsible for preparing teaching materials and providing technical and pedagogical support to Biology undergraduate students. Collection & Preparation: Field collection of botanical specimens and preparation of histological slides for practical classes, ensuring quality and precision in microscopic analyses Teaching Materials: Development and organization of bibliographic materials and pedagogical resources focused on Plant Anatomy, supporting both theoretical and practical understanding Tutoring: Guidance and support to students during practical activities, fostering autonomy, laboratory safety and deeper scientific knowledge

Field research in the Pantanal wetlands, focusing on behavioral and ecological monitoring of Giant Otters (Pteronura brasiliensis), an endangered species of great relevance to Brazilian biodiversity conservation. Field Observation: In-situ monitoring of individuals' daily activities in the Pantanal bays, recording behavioral, social and territorial patterns of the species Collection & Analysis: Collection and georeferencing of latrines, with laboratory processing to identify dietary habits through analysis of consumed fish remains Cataloging: Individual identification and registration of animals through gular patch analysis, contributing to the species' population database

5S, Ferramentas da Qualidade, Prevenção de Falhas (Foolproof), Lean Kaizen, Plano de Ação 5W2H, Identificação de Causa Raiz, Mentalidade de Riscos e Oportunidades, Análise Crítica pela Direção, Projeto e Desenvolvimento com Requisitos de Normas, Controle Estatístico de Projeto, Auditorias Internas, PFMEA x DFMEA, Liderança, Melhorias em Sistema de Gestão, Planejamento e Controle Operacional, Lean Manufacturing Specialist, Métricas Lean, FMEA, Lean Thinking.