About
Summary
Agronomist and plant geneticist, about to finish my Ph.D. in Genetics and Plant Breeding (University of São Paulo) and hands-on expertise in tomato breeding, molecular biology, and field/greenhouse experimentation. My journey working alongside global teams in Brazil, Portugal, and the U.S. has been a masterclass in adaptability and collective growth. I have been fortunate to collaborate with brilliant minds in genetics, agronomy, and physiology to refine biofortification strategies or rescue a field trial from unexpected setbacks, which has solidified my belief that innovation thrives through shared effort. At the heart of my work lies a curiosity to solve puzzles: connecting molecular clues such as gene expression patterns or epigenetic shifts with physiological data to tackle challenges such as nitrogen use efficiency in crops. While precision in techniques such as HPLC or chlorophyll fluorescence analysis ensures reliable results, I am equally energized by simplifying the complexity by exploring new tools or guiding peers. For instance, when teammates struggled with finicky protocols such as RNA extraction, I gathered everyone for informal, hands-on sessions to demystify steps and align our quality standards. These moments, when confusion turned into confidence through patience and clear communication, remind me that science is as much about nurturing people as it is about data. Above all, I strive to foster environments in which expertise and humility coexist, knowing that resilient solutions emerge when diverse voices are valued.
Positions
PhD Student Mar 2021 - 2025
Education
University of São Paulo (USP) 2021 - 2025
Field of study: Agronomy - Genetics and Plant Breeding
Degree: Ph.D.
During my doctoral studies in Agronomy at the University of São Paulo, I investigated the interplay between nitrogen metabolism and developmental regulation in Solanum lycopersicum, with a focus on the genetic SELF-PRUNING (SP) and SINGLE FLOWER TRUSS (SFT). By integrating biochemical assays, physiological phenotyping, and molecular genetic approaches, I characterized the hypersensitivity of sp/sft double loss-of-function mutants to nitrogen deprivation. This work elucidated the molecular mechanisms underlying nitrogen-responsive phenotypic plasticity, revealing a critical gene-environment interaction modulating shoot architecture. The findings advance our understanding of nutrient signaling pathways and their role in adaptive responses to abiotic stress, with implications for improving nitrogen use efficiency in horticultural crops.
Federal University of Santa Maria 2018 - 2020
Field of study: Agrobiology - Molecular Biology, plant nutrition, plant physiology
Degree: Master
My master’s research at the Federal University of Santa Maria investigated copper (Cu) homeostasis mechanisms in Oryza sativa under Cu-deficient conditions. By employing comparative physiological profiling and molecular characterization of wild-type (WT) and oshma5 loss-of-function mutants, this study identified critical components of the copper economy regulatory network, including COPT transporters and P-type ATPases. Notably, the work revealed evolutionary divergence in Cu homeostasis between Oryza sativa and Arabidopsis thaliana, particularly in root-to-shoot metal partitioning and transcriptional regulation. These findings elucidate species-specific adaptations to micronutrient scarcity and provide insights into improving Cu-use efficiency in cereal crops under nutrient-limited conditions.
Federal University of Santa Catarina 2011 - 2017
Field of study: Plant Biochemistry, phytochemistry, oxidative stress
Degree: Agronomy
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