Gil do Vigor - PhD Candidate, Best-Selling Author & Cultural Icon

From Cultural Phenomenon to Academic Excellence

I am a PhD Candidate in Economics at the University of California, Davis, and a Visiting PhD Student at the University of Chicago's Harris School of Public Policy. My journey from reality TV phenomenon to rigorous academic research exemplifies the power of education and determination.

My research focuses on development economics with particular emphasis on the economics of crime and education in Latin America. I use quasi-experimental methods and unique administrative datasets to examine how exposure to violence affects youth behavioral outcomes and educational attainment.

Current Research Focus

My job market paper investigates how exposure to a classmate's homicide affects criminal engagement among remaining students, using comprehensive administrative data from Brazil's education and juvenile justice systems.

Quick Facts

Current Position: PhD Candidate, UC Davis
Visiting Scholar: University of Chicago (2024-2026)
Best-Selling Author: "Tem que Vigorar!"
Recognition: GQ Men of the Year 2021
Academic Focus: Development Economics, Crime, Education

Contact

Email (UC Davis): gjjunior@ucdavis.edu

Email (UChicago): gildovigor@uchicago.edu

Phone: +1 (530) 309-8393

Research Portfolio

Primary Fields

Development Economics, Economics of Crime, Education Economics

Methods

Applied Microeconomics, Quasi-experimental Methods, Causal Inference

Regional Focus

Latin America, Brazil

⭐ JOB MARKET PAPER

The Aftermath of My Friend's Murder: Analyzing the Impact of Classmate Homicide on Crime Engagement

This paper examines how exposure to a classmate's homicide affects youth criminal engagement using administrative data from Brazil. The treatment is defined at the classroom level: students are considered treated if they shared a class with the victim.

Using a difference-in-differences approach, I find that having a classmate murdered reduces the likelihood of arrest by 1.5 percentage points, representing a 39% reduction relative to the baseline mean. The effects are strongest for full-time detention cases and drug-related offenses, suggesting a deterrent rather than contagion effect.

Available for Download

Working Papers

Technological Change and Labor Coercion

with Daniel Araujo and Yuri Barreto

We investigate the consequences of genetically engineered (GE) soy seed adoption in Brazil, finding that the introduction of GE seeds led to a significant rise in reported cases of modern slavery.

When Protection Becomes Punishment: Racialized Outcomes of a Security Reform

This paper evaluates the impact of the state reform known as "Pacto pela Vida" on the likelihood of black individuals being killed and on the accumulation of human capital among youth in Pernambuco, Brazil.

School Choice Dynamics: The Impact of Attributes and Information on Student Preferences

with Daniel Araujo and Leonardo Rosa

Understanding student preferences for different high school arrangements is important for designing effective educational policies and improving graduation rates.

Recent Presentations

XXI RIDGE Forum - Workshop on the Economics of Crime

Universidad del Pacífico, Lima, Peru (2025)

Mini-Conference on Organized Crime in Latin America

University of Chicago (October 2024)

Development Tea Seminar

University of California, Davis (2024)

📚 BEST SELLER

"Tem que Vigorar!"

Como me aceitei, venci na vida e realizei meus sonhos

5,000+

Copies sold in first 5 minutes of pre-sale

Best Seller List

2021

Published by Globo Livros

In this inspiring memoir, I share my journey of self-acceptance, perseverance, and achieving dreams against all odds. From facing challenges with authenticity to reaching academic and cultural milestones, "Tem que Vigorar!" is a testament to the power of staying true to oneself.

The book became an instant phenomenon, selling over 5,000 copies in just 5 minutes during pre-sale, demonstrating the powerful connection I've built with audiences across Brazil and beyond.

Buy Book Read Sample

Impact & Reception

Record-Breaking Sales

Achieved unprecedented pre-sale numbers with 5,000+ copies sold in the first 5 minutes, establishing it as one of Brazil's fastest-selling books of 2021.

Cultural Phenomenon

The book's message of authenticity and perseverance resonated with millions, inspiring a new generation to pursue their dreams regardless of background.

Educational Bridge

Successfully bridged entertainment and education, showing that academic pursuits and popular culture can coexist and strengthen each other.

Achievements & Recognition

🏆 Awards & Honors

🏆

GQ Men of the Year 2021 - Digital Influencer

Recognized by GQ Brazil as Digital Influencer of the Year, acknowledging my impact on social media and cultural influence.

View Article

🎖️

Presidential Recognition - Brazil

Received official recognition from the President of Brazil for my contributions to education and positive cultural impact.

🏛️

State Government Honor - Pernambuco

Honored by the Government of Pernambuco State for representing the state with distinction on the national stage.

🥇

Man of the Year - Brazil (2021)

National recognition for outstanding contributions to society and positive influence.

🏅

Honorable Mention - Brazilian Mathematics Olympics

Received honorable mentions in 2005 and 2007, demonstrating early academic excellence.

📚 Academic Milestones

🎓

Advanced to PhD Candidacy

University of California, Davis - Economics Department

🏫

Visiting PhD Student

University of Chicago, Harris School of Public Policy (2024-2026)

📖

Master's Degree - Perfect GPA

Universidade Federal de Pernambuco - Economics (4.0/4.0)

📺 Cultural Impact

📚

Best-Selling Author

"Tem que Vigorar!" - 5,000+ copies sold in first 5 minutes

📱

Social Media Phenomenon

20M+ followers across platforms, inspiring millions daily

🎭

Cultural Bridge Builder

Successfully bridged entertainment and academia, inspiring educational pursuits

Media & Recognition

GQ BRAZIL

Men of the Year 2021 - Digital Influencer

"Precisamos passar esperança para as pessoas" - Gil do Vigor's powerful message of hope and education resonated with millions, earning him this prestigious recognition.

Read Full Interview

Media Timeline

Dec 2021

GQ Men of the Year Award

Recognized as Digital Influencer of the Year by GQ Brazil

2021

Presidential Recognition

Official acknowledgment from Brazilian government

2021

State Government Honor

Honored by Pernambuco State Government

2021

Book Launch Success

"Tem que Vigorar!" becomes instant bestseller

Press Coverage

Estadão

"BBB 21: Gilberto ganha homenagem vigorosa do Estado de Pernambuco"

Read Article

GQ Brasil

"Gil do Vigor: 'Precisamos passar esperança para as pessoas'"

Read Interview

Globo Livros

"Tem que Vigorar! - Record-breaking pre-sale success"

Publisher Page

Academic & Professional Experience

🎓 Education

PhD in Economics (Advanced to Candidacy)

2022 - Present

University of California, Davis

Specializing in Development Economics, Economics of Crime, and Education Economics

Visiting PhD Student

Aug 2024 - Aug 2026

University of Chicago, Harris School of Public Policy

Conducting research in crime economics and public policy

Master's Degree in Economics

2017 - 2019

Universidade Federal de Pernambuco

Perfect GPA: 4.0/4.0

👨‍🏫 Teaching Experience

Teaching Assistant - Advanced Microeconomic Theory

2024 - Present

University of California, Davis

Undergraduate level course

Teaching Assistant - PhD Microeconomics

2018 - 2019

Universidade Federal de Pernambuco

Instructor - Statistics

2018 - 2019

LCanpec

🔬 Research Experience

Research Group Member

2017 - 2019

Universidade Federal de Pernambuco

Politics, Industrial Organization and Regulation

🛠️ Skills & Methods

Programming

Python Stata R MATLAB C# C++

Methods

Difference-in-Differences Instrumental Variables Regression Discontinuity Machine Learning

Software

LaTeX Git ArcGIS QGIS

Languages

Portuguese English Spanish