About Us
Camila Nicolli Ph.D.
Education:
Ph.D. - University of Lavras, Brazil, Plant Pathology
M.S. - University of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, Plant Pathology
B.S. - University of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, Agronomy
Camila Nicolli is a plant pathologist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Botany and Plant Pathology at Purdue University. She earned her Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from the Federal University of Lavras and completed her doctoral training at the Institute of Sciences of Food Production (ISPA-CNR), where she conducted research on mycotoxins. Her research focuses on the management of mycotoxins in field crops, particularly corn and wheat, integrating applied field research, industry partnerships, and advanced tools such as disease forecasting and artificial intelligence to develop sustainable disease management strategies and mitigate mycotoxin contamination. Camila is committed to building collaborative, externally funded research programs that engage stakeholders across academia and industry to strengthen crop health and agricultural resilience.
Samuel de Paula
Education:
Ph.D. - University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, Plant Pathology
M.S. - University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, Plant Pathology
B.S. - University of Fronteira Sul, Brazil, Agronomy
Samuel de Paula is a Postdoctoral Research Assistant at Purdue University, where he researches corn diseases and mycotoxin management in row crop production systems. He earned his Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from the University of São Paulo. His research focuses on plant–pathogen interactions and integrated disease management strategies. In addition to his doctoral training, Dr. de Paula holds multiple MBA degrees that complement his scientific expertise with strengths in leadership, strategic management, and innovation. His professional background includes experience in biotechnology and research coordination, as well as international research collaborations that broaden his global scientific perspective. Dr. de Paula has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed publications in plant pathology and serves as a reviewer for several scientific journals in the field. His long-term career goal is to advance agricultural innovation through research leadership and strong academia-industry partnerships, particularly in the development of crop protection technologies.
Aline Fachin Martini
Education:
Ph.D. - University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, Soil and Plant Nutrition
M.S. - University of Parana, Brazil, Soil Science
B.S. - University of Fronteira Sul, Brazil, Agronomy
Aline holds a Ph.D. in Agronomy (Soil and Plant Nutrition) from the University of São Paulo (USP), along with MBAs in Marketing and Agribusiness. Works in the areas of crop protection, row crops, mycotoxins, and sustainable agricultural systems, with experience in tropical and subtropical agricultural systems. Conducts applied research focused on soil and water resources, with a strong emphasis on field trials, crop monitoring, hydrological modeling, and ecosystem services assessment to support evidence-based decision-making in production systems. Maintains an interdisciplinary research profile, integrating spatial analysis, statistical modeling, and evaluations of agricultural management impacts. Has international research experience, has contributed to peer-reviewed publications in international journals, and is actively involved in research, teaching, and extension activities, as well as service as a reviewer for international scientific journals.