Two Essex graduates chosen as finalists for Brazil’s Study UK Alumni Awards

Inspirational graduates from the University of Essex have been selected as finalists in the British Council’s Study UK Alumni Awards in Brazil.

Mark Plotyczer is a finalist in the Creativity and Culture category thanks to his dedication to bridging the gap between sports and education, while Elton Sbruzzi is a finalist in the Business and Innovation category for his pioneering contributions to Data Science and Artificial Intelligence education.

Mark said: “It is an incredible opportunity to participate in such a prestigious event as a University of Essex alumnus and an absolute honour to be a finalist. This feels like a meaningful way to give back to Essex, a place where I had some of the most transformative and unforgettable experiences of my life. It’s also a personal achievement that fills me with pride, reminding me of how far I’ve come and the foundation that Essex provided for my journey.”

Elton added: “Being shortlisted for the Study UK Alumni Awards in the Business and Innovation category is an incredible honour. My journey at the University of Essex was truly transformative—it provided me with the academic foundation, resilience, and global perspective to build a career at the intersection of data science and artificial intelligence.

“Essex not only shaped my professional path but also fostered connections that continue to drive innovation in Brazil and beyond. Today, I am a Lecturer in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence in the Department of Computer Science at the Aeronautics Institute of Technology (ITA), the most prestigious STEM institution in Brazil. This recognition is a testament to the power of education and international collaboration, and I am deeply grateful to be part of the Essex alumni community.” 

Mark’s story

Mark Plotyczer’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and remarkable impact. Based in Rio de Janeiro, Mark has dedicated his career to empowering athletes to pursue academic and professional success beyond the playing field.

Mark’s journey began with his love for volleyball, a sport that shaped his life from an early age. His passion led to a professional career spanning over a decade, but the transition out of competitive sports was not without challenges. Injuries forced him to step away from the game, leaving him at a crossroads. Witnessing the struggles of fellow athletes unprepared for life beyond their sporting careers, Mark saw an urgent need for change.

Determined to make a difference, he founded Tiebreak Sports and Scholarships and later Tiebreak School, creating opportunities for young athletes to combine their sporting talents with higher education. However, navigating the entrepreneurial landscape wasn’t easy, and Mark found himself seeking a way to elevate his vision.

The turning point came when Mark joined the University of Essex in 2018, supported by an athletic scholarship. Studying for an MSc in Marketing and Brand Management at Essex Business School was a transformative experience that gave Mark the skills, knowledge, and global perspective he needed to take his businesses to new heights.

“The diversity at Essex was incredible,” Mark recalls. “I worked on projects with students from all over the world and learned to navigate different cultural perspectives. The practical skills I gained—like storytelling in marketing and critical thinking - allowed me to completely rebrand my agency.”

Mark’s studies had an immediate impact. Within a year of graduating, his business grew by 55%, and his initiatives have since expanded globally. To date, Tiebreak has supported over 300 athletes from 23 nationalities, securing more than $84 million in scholarships across 88 higher education institutions in 21 countries.

The lives transformed by Mark’s work are inspiring. From helping Brazilian athlete Kauany Gutz attend Dartmouth College on a full scholarship to guiding Guilherme Voss towards a dual career in professional volleyball and civil engineering, Mark’s efforts have opened doors for countless young people.

Through his journey, Mark has not only transformed his own life but has also created a lasting legacy for athletes worldwide. His work ensures that no athlete feels lost when their playing days are over, giving them the tools to thrive in both their sporting and professional careers.

Reflecting on his time at Essex, Mark credits the University for shaping his approach to business and life. “The professors’ accessibility, the focus on social responsibility, and the emphasis on practical learning were invaluable,” he says. “My Essex experience was not only a period of academic achievement but also one of personal transformation.”

Mark’s commitment to sharing his journey has made him an advocate for UK education. He regularly speaks at recruitment events, webinars, and sports teams across the globe, inspiring the next generation of students and athletes to pursue their dreams.

While Mark represented Brazil in the London 2012 Olympics, he sees his postgraduate journey as his proudest achievement. “The Olympic motto was ‘Inspire a Generation,’ and my time at Essex allowed me to truly embody that spirit,” he says.

From a professional volleyball player to a successful business owner and mentor, Mark Plotyczer’s story is a testament to the transformative power of education and the enduring impact of sport.

Elton’s story

Elton Sbruzzi’s work exemplifies the transformative potential of UK higher education. He completed a PhD in Computational Finance at the University of Essex and is now recognised for his pioneering contributions to data science and artificial intelligence education in Brazil.

As a professor at the Instituto Tecnológico de Aeronáutica (ITA), Elton has revolutionised data science education, co-founding Brazil’s most competitive Data Science Specialisation Course. Inspired by his experiences at Essex, where he collaborated closely with internationally renowned academic, now Acting Vice- Chancellor Professor Maria Fasli, Elton has built a legacy of innovation and partnership that extends beyond academia, benefitting students, institutions, and the wider community.

Elton’s journey began in 2009 when he moved to the University of Essex to pursue a PhD in Computational Finance, focusing on Data Science in Finance. After completing his PhD in 2013 he returned to Brazil and he began teaching at the Universidade Federal Fluminense before securing a prestigious position at ITA, where he now serves as a professor of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science.

During his time at Essex, Elton witnessed the establishment of the Institute for Analytics and Data Science, led by Professor Maria Fasli. Working closely with Professor Fasli taught Elton how to drive innovation in the emerging field of data science. This experience culminated in his co-creation of the Data Science Specialisation Course at ITA in 2019, which has since become the most competitive programme of its kind in Brazil, with an acceptance rate of less than 8%. The revenue generated from this course supports a wide range of initiatives and expenses at ITA.

Elton’s Essex education also laid the foundation for a long-lasting partnership between the University of Essex and ITA. Over the years, this collaboration has resulted in numerous projects and exchanges, particularly in data science and computer science, creating opportunities for students and academics from both institutions.

Reflecting on his Essex experience, Elton highlights the transformative impact of studying at a UK university. “The academic environment at Essex emphasised critical thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and practical application,” he explains. “These qualities, combined with the close mentorship I received, particularly from Professor Fasli, equipped me with the skills and mindset to innovate and excel in my career.”

Elton actively shares his UK education experiences to inspire others. At ITA, he incorporates the critical thinking and global perspective he developed at Essex into his teaching. By sharing his own journey, he has motivated students to pursue studies abroad, with some securing placements at UK universities.

His work continues to inspire a new generation of Brazilian innovators, demonstrating the power of education to drive meaningful change. As a finalist for the British Council Study UK Alumni Awards in the Business and Innovation category, Elton’s story is a testament to the far-reaching impact of his Essex education and the enduring legacy of UK higher education on global innovation.