Paulo Alvim

 Dear Uilson and Friends,

On behalf of ourselves, and the Penn State cocoa program, we express our deepest sorry for Dr. Alvim's passing.  As you well know, in addition to his unequalled contributions to the world of cacao, Paulo was a preeminent plant scientists of his time, contributing research articles and books on topics and different species spanning an amazingly diverse range including photosynthesis, respiration, ecology, biodiversity, stomatal function, hormone physiology, agroecology etc..  Below is a photo of Paulo (with grad student Carter Miller) when the visited Penn State about 10 years ago, using a portable photorespirometer unit to measure photosynthesis in a cacao leaf.  It was such a joy to see Paulo's excitement and amazement when he had a chance to use this new technology.    He was an inspiration to us all, and his influence on our lives will live on.  

We will never forget the times spent with Paulo and his guitar, his famous expresso "apparatus" and his favorite  Please convey to his wife Simone and his family members that we are thinking of them in this difficult time and that Paulo's contributions and his wonderful spirt will never be forgotten.

Cachaça dispenser, while he was surrounded by his loving friends and family.  

Sincerely yours,

Mark Guiltinan and Siela Maximova