Educated Choices Program Welcomes Educator Diogo Sousa, Ph.D., as STEM Advisor

ATLANTA, January 20, 2026 – The Educated Choices Program (ECP) is proud to announce the appointment of Diogo Sousa, Ph.D., as its new STEM Advisor. Dr. Sousa joins the ECP Advisory Board with a distinguished background in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), bringing a multidisciplinary expertise in environmental and science education, biology, chemistry, physics, digital technologies, and pedagogy. His extensive academic and practical experience will bolster ECP’s mission to provide engaging, science-based, high-impact food education to global audiences.

“Over the years in Science Education, I’ve witnessed how curiosity, critical thinking, and scientific literacy can transform lives when learners are given support, encouragement, and access to meaningful opportunities.” - Dr. Sousa

Dr. Sousa is a chemist and professor with academic credentials that include a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in Science Education. Furthering his expertise in digital advancement, he is currently in the United States pursuing a second master’s degree in Information Technology in Computing, with an emphasis on Artificial Intelligence in education. His career spans the full spectrum of education, including teaching science to high school students and serving as a professor at leading universities in Brazil. Dr. Sousa also contributes to the scientific community as a volunteer at the Orlando Science Center, building scientific citizenship.

“These experiences have reinforced my belief that science education goes far beyond content delivery; it is a powerful tool for empowerment, for understanding the world, and for making informed decisions.” - Dr. Sousa

In his new role, Dr. Sousa will be instrumental in ensuring ECP’s educational materials remain anchored in the most recent scientific data. His insights as an instructor will be crucial in optimizing ECP’s curriculum for its primary audience: students in middle school, high school, and college.

“ECP expands access to scientific knowledge through thoughtfully designed materials, encourages informed choices, and inspires young people to envision real possibilities for their futures, aligning with my personal and professional values.” - Dr. Sousa

"We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Diogo B. Sousa to our Advisory Board. As a nonprofit committed to science-based education, having a STEM expert of Diogo’s caliber is invaluable. His deep understanding of biotechnology and his passion for sustainable systems will help us further bridge the gap between scientific research and classroom learning, inspiring students to explore the vital role of STEM in creating a healthier world." - Lorena Mucke, CEO and Founder of the Educated Choices Program

Dr. Sousa’s appointment reinforces ECP’s commitment to providing evidence-based resources that have already reached over 3.7 million people across 71 countries. By integrating advanced scientific perspectives into its free digital library, ECP continues to equip global communities with the tools to make informed, impactful food choices.

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Full Statement from Dr. Diogo B. Sousa:

“My journey in education has been deeply shaped by the places where I’ve worked and by the students I’ve had the privilege to teach. Over the years in Science Education, I’ve witnessed how curiosity, critical thinking, and scientific literacy can transform lives when learners are given support, encouragement, and access to meaningful opportunities. I've worked with highly diverse audiences, from young children to adults and seniors, in environments ranging from traditional classrooms to Science and Technology Museums, always with the goal of making scientific knowledge accessible, relevant, and connected to real life.

Throughout this path, I’ve taught students from many different social and cultural backgrounds, including those with limited access to STEM resources but extraordinary potential. These experiences have reinforced my belief that science education goes far beyond content delivery; it is a powerful tool for empowerment, for understanding the world, and for making informed decisions. This belief continues to be at the heart of my work as an educator.

Joining the Educated Choices Program represents a very meaningful extension of my life’s mission in education. The way ECP expands access to scientific knowledge through thoughtfully designed materials, encourages informed choices, and inspires young people to envision real possibilities for their futures aligns deeply with my personal and professional values. As I have argued throughout my academic journey, particularly in my doctoral work, education must ultimately lead to action. positive, responsible action during our time on this planet, grounded in respect for life, nature, and the biological systems that sustain us.

I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to contribute my experience, learn from this inspiring community, and be part of an initiative that creates real and lasting impact in students’ lives.”

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About Educated Choices Program

The Educated Choices Program is an award-winning 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides free food literacy education to equip students and community members with critical knowledge to improve human and planetary health. Its educational packages have been viewed by more than 3.7 million people across seventy-one countries and territories. Learn more at www.ecprogram.org.

Media Inquiries: Beth Champion, beth.champion@ecprogram.org

More information: www.ecprogram.org