As part of our Meet the Expert series, we are delighted to spotlight team members from across Phenna Group who bring deep expertise, innovation, and passion to their work. Today, we introduce Fernanda Nani, Head of the Environmental Business at Ceimic Brazil. With nearly two decades of experience in analytical laboratories and a pivotal role in projects such as Brazil's first laboratory for air analysis using the USEPA TO-15 method, Fernanda has built a career defined by scientific excellence and a commitment to sustainability. In this interview, she shares her journey, technical expertise, and vision for the future of the TICC sector, offering valuable insight into the role Ceimic and Phenna Group play in advancing environmental solutions.
Introduction
Can you tell us about your background and journey in your industry?
I am a chemist, graduated from the University of São Paulo, and I began my career at Ceimic in 2007 in the sample extraction laboratory. Over the years, I gained extensive experience in analytical laboratories, working with a wide range of techniques. During this time, I contributed to several milestone projects, including the establishment of Brazil's first laboratory for air analysis using the USEPA TO-15 method, the creation of the NTO, and supporting the overall growth and development of the company.
What is your current role at Ceimic, and what does it entail on a day-to-day basis?
I am Head of the Environmental Business at Ceimic Brazil, where I oversee operations and lead the development of our products and solutions, ensuring we deliver value to our clients while driving business growth.
What inspired you to pursue a career in this field?
What inspired me was the opportunity to help companies better care for the environment and operate more sustainably.
Technical and Industry Expertise
What is your specific area of expertise, and why is it essential to the industries you serve?
I specialize in USEPA methodologies and data validation, with a particular focus on the analysis of organic compounds. This expertise allows me to support clients in the environmental management sector by providing guidance and solutions for complex projects, ensuring compliance, reliability, and high-quality results.
Are there any current challenges or innovations in your field that you're particularly excited about?
Absolutely! We have been actively engaged in discussions in Brazil regarding emerging contaminants, particularly PFAS, and are excited about the opportunities this brings. Additionally, advancements in the sensitivity of analytical instruments are enabling us to reduce sample volumes while enhancing the accuracy and quality of the services we provide
Can you share a recent project or achievement that showcases your work or your team's capabilities?
We have been working on projects aimed at improving our productivity, and we are excited with the results achieved so far. In 2024, we reduced our turnaround time by 18% and increased our on-time delivery from 89% to 95%, demonstrating our team's capability to deliver efficient and reliable services.
Company Profile
Could you please tell us a bit about Ceimic and the services you offer?
Ceimic's Environmental Division provides comprehensive sampling and analysis services for organic, inorganic, and biological compounds in water, effluents, soil, sediments, waste, air, and atmospheric emissions.
What industries or sectors do you typically serve?
We primarily serve environmental consultancies on contaminated site management projects, as well as industries, supporting both stack emissions monitoring and treatment plant control.
What makes your company stand out in the TICC landscape?
What sets our company apart in the TICC landscape is our combination of deep technical expertise, strong commitment, and innovative approach. This allows us to deliver reliable solutions and exceptional client service, positioning us as a trusted partner and a recognized leader in the industry.
Collaboration and Integration
How does being part of Phenna Group benefit your clients and your team?
Being part of Phenna Group gives us access to greater resources and investment in advanced equipment, enabling our team to enhance service quality, adopt cutting-edge technologies, and deliver even greater value to our clients.
How does the Group's approach enhance the services you offer?
The Group's approach strengthens our services by providing access to cutting-edge technologies, allowing us to deliver more innovative, efficient, and reliable solutions to our clients.
Looking Ahead
What trends do you see shaping the future of your sector?
I see three main trends shaping the future of our sector. First, the growing demand for testing related to emerging contaminants such as PFAS, which is driving innovation and regulatory focus. Second, the increasing automation and digitalization of laboratory processes, which will improve efficiency, reliability, and scalability. And third, a stronger emphasis on sustainability, with clients expecting solutions that not only meet compliance but also contribute to environmental and social responsibility
What excites you most about what's ahead for you, your company, and Phenna Group?
What excites me most is the opportunity to expand our technical capabilities and continue growing Ceimic's role within Phenna Group. By combining our local expertise with the Group's global strength, we can deliver even greater value to our clients, drive innovation in environmental analysis, and contribute to addressing critical challenges such as emerging contaminants. I'm motivated by the impact we can make together on both the industry and society.
Personal Insight
What do you enjoy most about your work?
What I enjoy most about my work is supporting my team in achieving excellent results.
What's one hobby or passion you pursue outside of your professional life?
One of my passions outside of work is caring for my plants. I enjoy spending time tending to them, which also helps me cultivate patience, attention to detail, and a nurturing mindset.
This conversation with Fernanda Nani exemplifies the purpose of our Meet the Expert series: to showcase the people whose knowledge, leadership, and passion are shaping their industries. Fernanda's work at Ceimic Brazil demonstrates how innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand, delivering value for clients while addressing pressing environmental challenges. We thank her for sharing her experience and perspective, and we look forward to following her continued impact within Ceimic, the Phenna Group, and the wider environmental testing community.