ABOUT THE MILLENNIUM FELLOWSHIP - CLASS OF 2025
United Nations Academic Impact and MCN are proud to partner on the Millennium Fellowship. This year, 60,000+ young leaders applied to join the Class of 2025 on 7,000+ campuses across 170 nations. 290+ campuses worldwide (less than 5%) were selected to host the 4,500+ Millennium Fellows.
UNITED NATIONS ACADEMIC IMPACT AND MCN PROUDLY PRESENT GABRIEL FERNANDES MELLO FERREIRA, A MILLENNIUM FELLOW FOR THE CLASS OF 2025.
New York University Shanghai | Shanghai, China | Advancing SDG 10, SDG 13 & UNAI 9
" Growing up in a community deeply affected by environmental and social challenges ignited my commitment to creating solutions that protect both people and the planet. The Millennium Fellowship will help me improve my leadership skills and collaborate with change makers from around the world, amplifying the impact of my work on microplastic pollution and urban heat islands. By connecting global perspectives with local action, I aim to develop innovative, accessible technologies that address inequality and advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals. I am excited to share my experiences and learn from others who are equally passionate about driving systemic change. "
Millennium Fellowship Project: Unequal Heat: Temperature in Rio’s Favelas
Rio de Janeiro’s slums, more known as Favelas, are disproportionately affected by Urban Heat Islands (UHIs) compared to wealthier areas of the city. Higher temperatures show social and environmental vulnerability in Rio’s communities. This research maps and analyzes UHIs in Rio’s informal settlements using satellite data and the Urban Weather Generator (UWG). By identifying the hottest neighborhoods and modeling future temperature trends, it evaluates the effectiveness of potential mitigation strategies such as Cool Roofs and Green Roofs. Results are presented in an interactive web map, making the analysis accessible to policymakers and communities to guide heat risk reduction.
About the Millennium Fellow
Gabriel Fernandes Mello Ferreira is a computer systems engineering student at NYU Shanghai and a researcher from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Growing up in Rio’s suburbs with no green space, frequent flooding, and poor infrastructure, he became passionate about sustainability and green technology. At 16, he developed the world’s first microplastic filter for water treatment plants, earning the Stockholm Junior Water Prize as Brazil’s first winner. He’s currently researching how urban heat islands reflect socioeconomic inequality and explores affordable mitigation strategies. Gabriel has shared his work through TEDx talks, university lectures, and conferences, inspiring action for a more sustainable world.
