Training Group:

Plant Biology

Mentor / Lab:

John J. Couture

Specific Research Area / Project:

Using hyperspectral data to assess genetic variation in plant functional traits and responses to stress

Lab / Personal work-related websites:

Lab

Personal

Research Profile:

As human populations continue to increase, food security is a central challenge that affects society. Environmental change, water security, fertilizer inputs, and pests dramatically decrease yield productivity for globally important crops. The most efficient method to monitor crops and mitigate problems caused by environmental stress is identifying the stress events prior to the onset of visible symptoms at early stages. Traditional methods of monitoring plant stress, however, are logistically challenging at the field scale, which makes it difficult to efficiently detect plant stress responses.

Hyperspectral information is a technology that uses the light reflectance from an object to retrieve information about the chemical, physiological, and anatomical status of the plants, making it an ideal approach for plant stress detection. It is also an approach that can be implemented in precision agriculture. The focus of my thesis research is to use hyperspectral reflectance, combined with mathematical and statistical approaches, to assess genetic variation in plant functional traits and responses to stress My research goal is to develop models to identify plant health status and predict stresses prior to the onset of visual symptoms. ultimately, the outcome of my research will benefit breeding and agronomic management programs.

About Me:

I am passionate about plant science. Following my passion, I decided to pursue my Ph.D. at Purdue University. I choose an interdisciplinary program at Purdue University because it was the best fit between the skills I would like to develop, and the opportunities Purdue offers. I am very proud of being a Boilermaker and very grateful for the opportunities I have here.

I am thrilled to be part of an interdisciplinary program. Among all the great programs PULSe offers, the ones I most enjoy are the applicant's reception and mentoring programs. I love to host applicants students and show them all the great resources Purdue offers. The mentoring program is an excellent idea. During my first year, my mentors were essential to my transitioning to Purdue, and it is always a unique opportunity to have senior students guiding you and exchanging experiences. I also had the chance to have a mentee during my second year, and I thoroughly enjoyed being part of his transition to Purdue and his scientific formation.

I identify as my career mission to make a positive impact on food security, throughout plant science and research commercialization. My goal is to apply and support novel technological techniques in precision agriculture to improve crop yield, seed quality, and reduce losses caused by abiotic and biotic stresses. After the completion of my Ph.D., my career goal is to join a research corporation, where I will be able to assist with improving crop production and technology commercialization.

Awards:

• - 2020 ABE-GSA Industrial Research Symposium – Oral Presentation
• - Phenomics advisory board meeting 3MT contest, 2019
• - Fellow student of student campus connection at American Seed Trade Association, 2018 conference

Leadership:

• President of Center for Plant Biology Trainee Association (CPBTA), 2019-2020
• Organization committee for the Corteva series seminar at Purdue University, 2018-2019
• Vice President of Brazilian Student Association (BRASA), 2016-2017