Team
Paulo Arruda - GenClima Paulo Arruda – Project Coordinator
Paulo Arruda is full professor at Department of Genetics, Biology Institute, State University of Campinas. His research interests are directed towards understanding the regulation of gene expression in plants. The major focus of his lab is related to amino acid metabolism and its impact of protein quality and in plant response to abiotic stresses. He has published over 100 scientific papers in international journals. He created and directed the Center for Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering of State University of Campinas and helped creating the Brazilian Genome Network that sequenced the first complete genome of plant pathogenic bacteria (Xylella fastidiosa). He also headed the sequencing of sugarcane transcriptome and created a network of Brazilian laboratories that conducted the bioinformatics and functional analyses of the sugarcane genome. He was a co-founder an the scientific director of the plant biotechnology company Alellyx Applied Genomics, the first private Latin American plant biotechnology company focused on genomics to develop new plant varieties to meet the needs of agriculture and bioenergy.
Center for Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering – CBMEG/Unicamp		 Geraldo Magela Almeida Cançado - GenClima Geraldo Magela Almeida Cançado
Graduated in Agronomy at the Federal University of Viçosa (1994), Master Degree in Plant Science/Plant Breeding at the Federal University of Viçosa (1997) and PhD in Genetics and Molecular Biology at Unicamp with partnership in the Cornell University (2006). Currently I am working as a research scientist at the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa) in the UMiP GenClima. My former positions include the leadership of a Biotechnology Laboratory at the Agricultural Research Agency of Minas Gerais (Epamig), the scientific advisement at the Board of Minas Gerais Research Foundation (Fapemig) and the scientific management of the sugarcane genetic transformation team at the Monsanto Company. My fields of interest include molecular biology and tissue culture applied in genetic transformation of plants, process automation and scale-up, biosafety, and scientific management.
Embrapa Agricultural Informatics
Isabel Gerhardt - GenClima Isabel Gerhardt
Degree in Agronomy from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul – UFRGS (1987), master’s degree in Plant Science from the UFRGS (1991) and Ph.D. in Biological Sciences (Molecular Biology) from the University of Brasilia – UnB (1999) and a Ph.D. sandwich the University of California at San Diego (1997-1998). Did her post-doctorate at the State University of Campinas – Unicamp (2003). Between 2003 and 2010 was senior researcher Alellyx Applied Genomics, where she worked in the biotech eucalyptus and sugar cane programs.
Embrapa Agricultural Informatics		 Juliana Teixeira Yassitepe - GenClima Juliana Teixeira Yassitepe
With background in Agronomy (Federal University of Lavras – UFLA/2002) and Genetics and Plant Breeding (Master UFLA/2003; Doctorate University of Sao Paulo – ESALQ-USP/2009), Juliana is a Research scientist at Embrapa since 2013. She has experience applying molecular and quantitative genetics approaches in eucalyptus and maize breeding programs (Fibria Celulose 2007-2011; University of Delaware/2011-2013) and is interesting in understanding the complex nature of plant responses to biotic and abiotic stresses and the genetic and phenotypic adaptation to these intricate challenges.
Embrapa Agricultural Informatics
Marcio José da Silva - GenClima Márcio José da Silva
Degree in Biological Sciences from the State University of Campinas – Unicamp (1979), degree in Biomedical Sciences from Unicamp (1982), MSc in Genetics and Molecular Biology from the Unicamp (1991) and Ph.D. in Genetics and Molecular Biology from Unicamp (1997). Currently, he is researcher of the Center for Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering – CBMEG at Unicamp. Has experience in the area of ​​genetics, with emphasis on Molecular Biology of Plants, acting on the following topics: gene expression, processing plants, proteins/oils reserves seeds and biofuels/biodiesel.
Center for Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering – CBMEG/Unicamp		 Pedro Paulo Barreto - GenClima Pedro Paulo Barreto
Bachelor in Biotechnology from Federal University of São Carlos – UFSCar (2010) and Ph.D. in Genetic and Molecular Biology from State University of Campinas – Unicamp (2014). Pedro is working on the discovery of possible regulators involded in plant mitochondrial biogenesis and stress response. Joined the UMIP GenClima team at 2014 working on gene discovery and gene expression cassette construction.
Center for Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering – CBMEG/Unicamp
Ricardo Augusto Dante - GenClima Ricardo Augusto Dante
Ricardo is a research scientist at Embrapa since 2010. Previously, he served for six years as research scientist and team leader at Alellyx Applied Genomics (acquired by the Monsanto Company in 2008) in its sugarcane biotechnology program, working on the generation of genetically-modified varieties with enhanced tolerance to drought and accumulation of biomass and sucrose. Ricardo received a Ph.D. in Plant Sciences (2005) from the University of Arizona, where he studied molecular, cellular and genetic aspects of cell cycle control during maize endosperm development, and a M.S. in Biological Sciences (Genetics; 1997) and a B.S. in Biological Sciences (1993) from Unicamp.
Embrapa Agricultural Informatics		 Vinicius Oliveira Almeida - GenClima Vinicius Oliveira Almeida
Degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Passo Fundo, Rio Grande do Sul, where he conducted scientific initiation, working on developing protocols for genetic transformation of brazilian maize genotypes. He was an intern of Embrapa Wheat between 2012-2013, working with QTL markers and proteomics.
In 2013 became part of the internship program at Monsanto. Joined the team of UMIP Genclima in 2014 and is working in the transformation processes.
Center for Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering – CBMEG/Unicamp

Advisory Board
 

The board will act strategically, with the mission of establishing strategies for the short, medium and long term.
Anibal Eugenio Vercesi - GenClima Anibal Eugenio Vercesi
Degree in Medicine from State University of Campinas – Unicamp (1972) and Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Unicamp (1974). Post Doctorate from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (1976-77, 1979-80). Conducts research in: Metabolism and mitochondrial bioenergetics, ion homeostasis, oxidative stress in protozoa, fungi, plants and mammals.
College of Medical Sciences – FCM/Unicamp		 Eduardo Delgado Assad - GenClima Eduardo Delgado Assad
Eduardo Assad worked in the INRA Avignon and CIRAD in Montpellier laboratories, now he is a researcher of Embrapa (Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation), worked initially in Agricultural Research Center of the Cerrado (CPAC), created the Laboratory of Environmental Biophysics. He was coordinator of the Natural Resources Area at Embrapa Savannah, Executive Secretary of the Natural Resources Program of Embrapa and Head of Research and Development of Embrapa Savannah. During the period 1993 to 2006, he was the national technical coordinator of the Agricultural Zoning Climate Risks of the Ministry of Agriculture, when created and coordinated national network of agrometeorology. He was Head of Embrapa Agriculture Informatics (2005-2009). Coordinates projects in the area of climate change and its impacts on agriculture. Currently, coordinates the team of climate and a network of agriculture weather at Science, Technology and Inovation Ministry (MCT&I). He is member of the scientific committee of the Brazilian Climate Changes Panel. In 2011 was Secretary of climate change and environmental quality of the Ministry of Environment. Professor of the Master’s degree in agribusiness at Fundação Getúlio Vargas.
Embrapa Agricultural Informatics
Elibio Rech Filho - GenClima Elibio Rech Filho
Elibio Rech is Embrapa (Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation) researcher since 1981, where he created and leads a research group, which currently represents national and international reference in the expression of heterologous proteins in plants and animals.
Studying the expression of biomolecules of pharmaceutical and industrial value in plants, animals and microorganisms, the processes of integration and expression of regulatory sequences in genomes, the genome of the silk-producing glands of spiders and production of new materials, the impacts associated with global agricultural and evaluation of the interface of science and social and economic objectives, the development and application of science to the development of processes and products through the manipulation of recombinant DNA technology.
He is Teacher Advisor MA, PhD, of the Post-Graduate in Molecular Biology at University of Brasilia and consultant leading agencies for research funding in the country, and various national and international journals. Its developed processes: Patents (being effectively used for product development in Brazil and abroad): 1) A process for obtaining transgenic plants of vegetables (Leguminosae) containing exogenous DNA, 2) Proteins Nephilengys spider web cruentata, juruensis Avicularia and Parawixia bistriata isolated at Brazilian biodiversity.
Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology		 Fabio Papes - GenClima Fabio Papes
Degree in Biological Sciences from the State University of Campinas – Unicamp (1996) and PhD in Genetics and Molecular Biology from the Unicamp (2001). Conducted postdoctoral studies at Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. He served as Senior Researcher in SA Alellyx Applied Genomics, Campinas. He served as Research Associate at the Scripps Research Institute, San Diego, California, USA. He is currently Professor in the Department of Genetics and Evolution, Inst. Biology, Unicamp. He has experience in the areas of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Neurobiology, with emphasis on the molecular study of sensory systems in mammals.
Biology Institute/Unicamp
Hilton Silveira Pinto - GenClima Hilton Silveira Pinto
Hilton Silveira Pinto was professor at Institute of Biology of State University of Campinas until October 2012. He was the creator of Center of Meteorological and Climate Research Applied to Agriculture – Cepagri/Unicamp and he was director on several occasions, until 2012, where he remains as a guest researcher. Coordinated and coordinates several operations in Zoning Climate Risk and Climate Change in Agriculture with national and international funding, including Brazilian Innovation Agency – FINEP, the Ministry of Agrarian Development, the World Bank and the British Embassy. He has the biggest part of his scientific work in partnership with Embrapa. He has experience in Agronomy with emphasis on Agrometeorology, acting on the following topics: climate change, climate risk, mitigation and adaptation, agricultural zoning and coffee. He was advisor of the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Science & Technology, Ministry of Mines and Energy, the departments of Agriculture and Science & Technology of the State of São Paulo and FINEP. For five years he was Deputy Chief of the Agricultural Climatology of the IAC (Agronomic Institute of Campinas).
Center for Meteorological and Climate Research Applied to Agriculture – CEPAGRI/Unicamp		 Márcio Elias Ferreira - GenClima Márcio Elias Ferreira
Degree in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Brasilia (1985), MSc and Ph.D. in Genetics and Plant Breeding, University of Wisconsin – Madison (1990 and 1993). Currently he is Scientific Researcher of the Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasilia – DF. Develops research in Molecular Genetics and Breeding, with emphasis on Plant Genetics, acting on the following topics: plant genomics, genetic resources and molecular breeding. The research is focused on solving problems of agriculture. Recent research projects aimed at developing strategies and molecular tools that make more efficient the conservation processes and the use of plant genetic resources. Techniques and advanced methods of molecular genetics are used in the exploitation of genetic resources for the development of improved plant varieties. Among the topics highlights the preventive genetic improvement, focusing on the development of varities resistant to pathogens that have not yet entered the Brazilian territory plants. The research also explores the diversification of varities to reduce genetic vulnerability in species with restricted genetic basis and genetic control of tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses.
Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology
Michel Eduardo Beleza Yamagishi Michel Eduardo Beleza Yamagishi
Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics from State University of Campinas – Unicamp (2001). Currently, he is Senior Research at Embrapa (Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation) and visiting professor of post-graduate program in Genetics and Molecular Biology of Unicamp.
Embrapa Agricultural Informatics		 Paulo Mazzafera Paulo Mazzafera
Degree in Agronomic Engineering from University of São Paulo – USP (1982), Master (1987), Ph.D. (1990), Associate Professor (1995), Assistant Professor (2000) and Titular Professor (2001) at State University of Campinas – Unicamp. Post Doctorate from Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden (1992-1993) and Commonwealth Scientific International Research Organization (CSIRO), Adelaide, Australia (1998-1999). Operates in Plant Physiology, having as main theme secondary metabolism.
Biology Institute/Unicamp