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Jamilla Teixeira’s first step into Husker life was also a first step into Nebraska, the ever-shifting seasons being a stark contrast to the perpetual summers of Brazil.
The university gave Teixeira lifelong connections and research opportunities she didn’t have access to in her home country. That’s what kept her coming back, earning her master's degree and a Ph.D. before joining the College of Engineering faculty.
Now an assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering, she takes a look back at her experience as a student, and how it ultimately led her back to Nebraska time and again.
What is your favorite memory from your time as a student?
My favorite memories are all connected to the relationships I built and the way we supported each other while being far away from home. As international students, one of the biggest challenges we face is the lack of immediate emotional support and the longing for our families and cultural traditions. What I cherish most are the moments when we came together to celebrate milestones, whether it was a successful lab result, the acceptance of a journal paper or simply a birthday. Those gatherings created a sense of community, helped us overcome the difficulties of being so many miles away from home and made the graduate student experience truly meaningful.
What brought you back to work at your alma mater?
I first came to Nebraska in 2004 as a visiting undergraduate student. Coming from a region in Brazil where we essentially have one season year-round, I was captivated by the changing seasons here; it was something completely new and beautiful to me. I also fell in love with the atmosphere of a university-centered city and the opportunity to interact with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds. From the very beginning, I felt connected to this place.
When I left UNL in 2011 after completing my Ph.D., I knew it wasn’t a permanent goodbye. Returning to UNL and stepping into a position once held by my former adviser felt like a privilege and a full-circle moment. Additionally, research opportunities in my home country are limited, so coming back to an institution where I already had a long history, a strong sense of belonging, and the support to build a robust research program made the decision clear. All of these factors brought me back to work at my alma mater.
How has campus changed since you were a student?
There have been many new buildings and renovations, including Kiewit Hall and the Scott Engineering Research Center, where I now spend most of my time. The civil and environmental engineering labs are also much better equipped and structured than before. One fun fact is that I was one of the first students to compact an asphalt sample in the old civil materials lab, and when I returned as a faculty member, I became responsible for that same space, and ended up compacting the last sample there, with support from my students. Now we have moved into a brand-new lab facility.
Some places haven’t changed much on the outside, like the Nebraska Union, Love Library and even Selleck Hall, where I lived as an undergraduate student. I still get the same overall feeling when I walk through campus, which I appreciate, because it brings back so many great memories.
Was there a class, professor or experience that changed your path or shaped who you are today?
I can say that I was deeply inspired by my former adviser, Dr. Yong-Rak Kim. He instilled in me a passion for research and the curiosity to seek answers beyond the obvious, to explore fundamental material behavior and multiscale characterization. I also inherited much of his research style.
At the same time, I have developed my own mentoring approach, especially when it comes to building a supportive community. I see a little bit of myself in my students, and I go far beyond treating them as data-gathering machines. I truly care about their well-being and mental health, and I strive to create an environment where they feel supported both academically and personally.
What was your go-to hangout spot on campus (or in town)?
The Rec Center was definitely one of my go-to places. I used to play volleyball there with my friends. The Union was another favorite spot, and it still has the same Chinese restaurant. Whenever I talk with friends from those days, we always end up reminiscing about the broccoli beef from that place. Around town, Holmes Lake also holds special memories, as we used to have gatherings there.
What is one piece of advice you’d give a current Nebraska student?
Enjoy your time as a student. Never underestimate how meaningful the memories you build during the challenges of earning your degree can be. Those struggles — and the people who support you along the way — will have a lasting impact on who you become. Participate in campus activities, get involved in student organizations, celebrate Husker games and take full advantage of everything the university offers. Don’t limit yourself to just going to class or staying in the lab. In the end, relationships are one of the most important parts of life, and during your time on campus, you will build some that last forever. Last but not least, dream big! Your dream can become true, as it did for me.
