Michelle Pena

Background

About Michelle Pena

Biologist | PhD in Microbiology | Expert in Plant Pathology and Bacterial Genetics I am a Biologist with a Master’s in Genetics and Plant Breeding and a PhD in Microbiology, bringing over a decade of expertise in bacterial genetics, comparative genomics, population genetics, molecular diagnostics, seed pathology, vegetable disease management, and the study of new and emerging bacterial diseases. My work focuses on advancing molecular biology and plant pathology, leveraging skills in functional genetics, assay optimization, bioinformatics/programming, and data analysis to address critical challenges in agricultural science. A collaborative and analytical researcher, I have extensive experience mentoring junior scientists, optimizing laboratory processes, and driving innovative solutions in university research settings. Fluent in English and Portuguese, with intermediate proficiency in Spanish, I thrive in global research environments dedicated to scientific advancement and sustainable agriculture.