CV

I am a plant breeding and genetics expert with a Ph.D. in Agronomic Sciences and over a decade of experience leading research and development in crop improvement, particularly for wheat, mint, and chickpeas. My career combines advanced genomics, genetic diversity mining, and applied breeding to develop high-performing crop varieties, with a strong emphasis on mentoring diverse trainees and fostering inclusive work environments.

Ph.D. in Agronomic Sciences, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina (2015)

Thesis: “Identification of a major gene controlling vernalization requirement in common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)” under Prof. Jorge Dubcovsky.

BS/MS in Biotechnology, National University of San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina (2010)

Plant Breeding Director, NuCicer Inc., Davis, CA (Jun 2023 – Apr 2025)

Led a team of scientists in developing chickpea varieties, collaborating across analytics, bioinformatics, and R&D. Managed strategy, secured funding, and oversaw project timelines and budgets.

Plant Breeding Lead, NuCicer Inc., Davis, CA (May 2022 – May 2023)

Developed roadmaps for varietal selection, predictive breeding, and automated phenotyping, managing external R&D partnerships to advance chickpea breeding.

Project Scientist, Genome Center, UC Davis (Nov 2016 – May 2022)

Spearheaded a discovery program for perennial crops (mint) with Mars Inc., focusing on flavor, yield, and disease resistance. Led genomics tool development, including chromosome-scale assemblies and linkage maps.

Researcher, Plant Sciences Department, UC Davis (Dec 2015 – Oct 2016)

Investigated flowering time and vernalization in winter wheat, advancing understanding of genetic controls for environmental adaptation.

Visiting Ph.D. Student, Plant Sciences Department, UC Davis (Dec 2010 – Nov 2015)

Developed strategies to identify genetic variations controlling flowering time in spring wheat, contributing to global wheat breeding efforts.

Mentored diverse trainees, including high school, undergraduate, and graduate students (e.g., UC Davis Young Scholars Program, 2012; Ph.D./M.Sc. students, 2015–2022). Delivered invited lectures, such as “Plant Natural Products Biotechnology” at UC Davis (2019).

Presented at international conferences (e.g., Plant and Animal Genome Conferences, 2012–2023) and served as a reviewer for journals like Frontiers in Genetics and external grants for Argentina’s Ministry of Science (2021).