His power of communication linked to a great love of botany and the environment and a deep scientific knowledge made of him an exceptional lecturer.

In his books and articles on science he informed the public about ecology and pollution – and in a very simple but precise language he presented the necessary data to understand the importance of the protection of the environment.

In Botany, he did pioneer work in Brazil with phytohormones, mainly auxins, and succeeded in raising interest in this subject.

He was also very active in directing the USP Publishing House (EDUSP) where he courageously promoted at that time the publication of scientific books in Portuguese by Brazilian scientists.

From 1961 to 1968 he was the Director of the Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras and for five years he was Vice-Principal of USP, then Principal in 1967 and 1968.

Ferri took part in group and individual exhibitions, in several Brazilian States: He pioneered field work in Plant Ecology in Brazil.