From Brazil to Boulder: Julian Martins’ global journey in physics education
Julian Martins’ story is one of bridging worlds— between two countries, between disciplines, between theory and practice, and most importantly, between people.
Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and raised partly in Boulder, Colorado, Martins path reflects a lifelong commitment to transforming how physics is taught and learned, grounded in compassion, collaboration, and curiosity.
With a Master's of Science in Physics from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Martins returned to Boulder to pursue a long-held passion that developed during his childhood visits to the CU Boulder, where his parents studied and conducted research.
“Graduating from CU Boulder is the greatest achievement of my life,” Martins said. “It gives me perspective on my parents’ achievements too, and it continues our family’s connection with academic communities across countries.”
Martins' academic journey is only part of the story. What sets him apart is his unique ability to integrate physics knowledge with pedagogy, scientific practices, and an empathetic understanding of both teachers and students. His work with the PEER Physics program at CU Boulder exemplifies how scientific rigor can and should coexist with human-centered teaching and learning, and it's one of the reasons Martins has been earned the Outstanding Contribution to Community Engagement Award for master's gradautes in the School of Education.
“Julian is gifted in bringing together his knowledge of physics, pedagogy, scientific practices, and contextual knowledge of teachers and their students,” said his award nominator. “I have been impressed by Julian’s compassionate leadership."
Indeed, Martins’ leadership shines in the professional learning communities he has helped facilitate—both online and in person—for educators across the globe. Through PEER Physic networks, Martins has cultivated environments where teachers are not just recipients of knowledge, but collaborators and expert learners in their own right.
“Julian takes great care to ensure that teachers, and their students, see themselves as expert learners, rather than as knowers,” the nominator added.
This emphasis on growth and co-construction of knowledge is intentional.
“It’s through collaboration and interaction with others that we most learn, grow, and develop expertise,” Martins said. “Universities put us into contact with so many different people and engaging with them opens our minds and expands our social repertoire in powerful ways.”
Martins’ educational philosophy is rooted in humility and continuous learning, and he encourages other students to navigating the pressures of academia by moving through inevitable mistakes.
After graduation, Martins will continue his impactful work with PEER Physics, where Martins can continue to bring together different cultures, people, and physics education together.
His story is a reminder that education is not just about mastering content—it’s about creating connections, honoring context, and uplifting others.
In his own words
Please tell us a bit about yourself
I'm from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, but I also lived in Boulder for a few years as a child. After obtaining my Master’s of Science in Physics at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, I came to CU Boulder to pursue a passion for physics education and physics education research. I had a childhood connection with the university because my parents engaged in graduate & post-graduate work here, and I always dreamed of coming back and doing the same. Through my father, I had the immense privilege of meeting my advisor, Valerie Otero, with whom I developed a working relationship that is going strong even today."
What is one of the most significant lessons from your time at CU Boulder that you’ll carry with you into the next chapter?
It's through collaboration and interaction with others that we most learn, grow, and develop expertise. Universities put us into contact with so many different people, and engaging with them opens our minds and expands our social repertoire in powerful ways."
What does graduating from CU Boulder represent for you and/or your community?
It means a lot, mainly because it maintains my family's connection with the academic communities of different countries. Graduating from CU Boulder is the greatest achievement of my life, and it gives me perspective on my parent's achievements too.”
What is your best piece of advice for incoming students?
When people say that you are your worst critic, they're really not kidding. Don't allow your inner doubt to paralyze you from moving your ideas and projects forward. What you do in your time here will not be the best thing you do in your life, and it's not supposed to be. Just show that you can take something from start to finish, learn from your inevitable mistakes and disappointments along the way, and keep moving.”
What are your next steps after graduation?
To continue working with the incredible people at PEER Physics, who I had the good fortune of meeting and collaborating with in my time here. They provided me with an opportunity to engage in meaningful physics education work as a graduate student, and that has not changed now that I have graduated!"