Mini-curriculum

Researcher A at Embrapa Mandioca e Fruticultura and holds a permanent position as a Professor in the Postgraduate Programs for Plant Genetic Resources and Agricultural Sciences at the Federal University of Recôncavo da Bahia (UFRB). Additionally, serves as a co-advisor in Postgraduate Programs at the Federal University of Viçosa, Federal University of Espírito Santo, and the Instituto Federal Baiano. My academic background includes a Bachelor's degree in Agronomy from the Federal University of Lavras (2000), a Master's degree in Genetics and Breeding from the Federal University of Viçosa (2002), and a Ph.D. in Agronomy (Genetics and Plant Breeding) from the University of São Paulo (2006). My expertise lies in Genetics, specifically Molecular Genetics, Quantitative Genetics, and Plant Genetic Improvement. My primary research areas include the development of new cassava, passion fruit, and papaya varieties, employing biostatistical tools. Im also adept in genotyping through sequencing (GBS), as well as predicting hybrid behavior using molecular techniques. Furthermore, microsatellite and SNP markers have been used for germplasm characterization and line development. Additionally, my work involves the evaluation and utilization of cassava, passion fruit, and papaya germplasm, aiming to identify genes with significant potential for plant improvement and marker-assisted selection. My recent research endeavors encompass associative mapping for disease resistance in cassava and enhancing starch content in roots. Collaboratively, Im implementing genomic selection in cassava breeding in partnership with esteemed institutions such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (FBMG), Cornell University (USA), Boyce Thompson Institute (USA), National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), National Crops Resources Research Institute (NaCRRI), International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), US Department of Energy (USA) Joint Genome Institute (USA), and Makerere University (Uganda). As an esteemed researcher, I serve as a Scientific Reviewer for renowned journals, including Acta Amazonica, Ciência Rural, Euphytica, Frontiers in Plant Science, Journal of Plant Breeding and Crop Science, Magistra, Molecular Biotechnology, Palynology, Pesquisa Agropecuária Brasileira, Plos One, Scientia Agricola, Soil Tillage Research, The Plant Genome, and Theoretical and Applied Genetics. Moreover, I hold editorial roles for the journals Frontiers in Plant Science and Plants | MDPI. Furthermore, my expertise is valued as a Scientific Consultant by prestigious organizations such as CAPES, CNPq, FAPESP, FAPESB, and the Swiss National Science Foundation. Throughout my 18-year career in research, I have contributed significantly with 145 publications in national and international journals, 18 book chapters, and the plant protection of 2 passion fruit cultivars, 1 registered and protected papaya variety, 2 registered and protected passion fruit cultivars, 2 registered and protected cassava cultivars, and 4 registered cassava varieties. My dedication is evident in mentoring 50 master's/Ph.D./post-doctorate students and guiding 110 scientific and junior scientific initiation students. Presently, Im supervising 3 master's fellows, 4 Ph.D. fellows, 4 post-doctorate fellows, 2 scientific initiation fellows, and 14 technological innovation fellows. Additionally, I was responsible for the development of 6 technological products and 14 agricultural processes or techniques that can optimize the breeding program of the target crops under investigation. The research group aims to resolve technological challenges, particularly in methods, processes, and products that can enhance competitiveness in agribusiness, with a primary focus on cassava cultivation, while maintaining a strong partnership with the private sector.

Education

1995 - 2000

Graduação em Agronomia

Universidade Federal de Lavras

Obtained year: 2000

2000 - 2002

Mestrado em Genética e Melhoramento

Universidade Federal de Viçosa

Title: Seleção de linhagens de feijoeiro resistentes à mancha-angular assistida por marcadores moleculares e identificação de novas fontes de resistência

Obtained year: 2002

Advisor: Aluízio Borém de Oliveira

2002 - 2006

Doutorado em Agronomia (Genética e Melhoramento de Plantas)

Universidade de São Paulo

Title: Desenvolvimento e uso de marcadores microssatélites para construção e integração de mapas genéticos de maracujá-amarelo (Passiflora edulis Sims f. flavicarpa Deg.)

Obtained year: 2006

Advisor: Maria Lucia Carneiro Vieira

Areas of expertise

1. Grande área: Agricultural Sciences / Área: Agronomy / Subárea: Genetics
2. Grande área: Biological Sciences / Área: Genetics / Subárea: Molecular and Microorganism Genetics
3. Grande área: Agricultural Sciences / Área: Agronomy / Subárea: Plant Science