Ivan's teacher, Lucia Castilho, Ivan Sampaio and Lotus. Ivan was in the Zootecnia department of UFMG helping staff and students to use statistics in their biological research.

While we were in Belo Horizonte, Ivan received the "o Zootecnista do Ano" (Animal Science Researcher of the Year) in 1996 from the Brazilian Society of Animal Science. This came from his colleagues working in the same area all over Brazil!

On May 23rd 2000 Ivan was recipient of "Antonio Secundino de Sao Jose Medal", a state award for those who have contributed to Brazilian agriculture. He attributes it to the long period he has been working in Statistics applied to animal production. The Veterinary School itself was responsible for the indication (nomination) as well as his experience. He is now a Comendador for such a medal is called Comenda in Portuguese.