Marllon Fernando Soares dos Santos

PhD of Science • PostDoc Researcher at University of California, Riverside

Researcher | Agriculture | Data Science

Expertise Areas

Crop Science & Plant Physiology
Advanced Statistical Analysis
Climate Adaptation Research
Data Science & Analytics
Agricultural Experimentation
Fruit Crop Research
Pollination Biology
Genetic Material Selection
Multivariate Analysis
Project Management
Scientific Writing
International Collaboration

As an Agricultural Engineer with a Master's degree in Crop Science and a Ph.D. in Science, I am deeply passionate about advancing our understanding of agricultural systems through rigorous scientific research and data-driven methodologies. My work focuses on the intersection of traditional agricultural practices and modern analytical techniques, with particular emphasis on fruit crop research, pollination processes, and climate adaptation strategies.

Currently serving as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of California, Riverside, I conduct cutting-edge research on the impacts of climate variability on avocado cultivation. My research integrates data analysis, artificial pollination techniques, and the strategic selection of genetic materials specifically adapted to future climatic scenarios. This work represents a critical contribution to sustainable agriculture in an era of rapidly changing environmental conditions.

My academic journey has taken me across continents, from the highlands of Santa Catarina in Brazil to the research facilities at CREA in Italy, and now to the innovative laboratories at UC Riverside. Throughout this journey, I have developed expertise in applying sophisticated statistical models—including logistic regression, mixed models, and multivariate analysis—to complex agricultural datasets. This statistical acumen has proven invaluable in evaluating the effectiveness of bioinputs on crop quality and production systems.

What drives my research is the recognition that modern agriculture faces unprecedented challenges. Climate change, population growth, and resource limitations demand innovative solutions grounded in solid scientific principles. My approach combines traditional agricultural knowledge with advanced analytical techniques, ensuring that research findings translate into practical applications for farmers and agricultural practitioners worldwide.

Postdoctoral Researcher

University of California, Riverside

Full-time Dec 2024 - Present • 10 mos • Riverside County, California, United States

Responsible for conducting research on the impacts of weather on avocado cultivation, focusing on data analysis, artificial pollination, and the selection of genetic materials adapted to future climatic scenarios.

Ph.D

Escola Superior de Agricultura "Luiz de Queiroz"

Full-time Jul 2021 - Nov 2024 • 3 yrs 5 mos • Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil

In this research, logistic regression models and multivariate analysis were used to evaluate the effectiveness of bioinputs on the quality of avocado seedlings and field production. Mixed models were employed to address the longitudinal nature of the data, which includes repeated measurements over time on discrete variables, such as count data, in addition to continuous measurements.

Ph.D Visiting Researcher

University of California, Riverside

Internship Nov 2023 - Oct 2024 • 1 yr • Riverside, California, United States

Research focused on genetic improvement in avocado cultivation, including the development of new varieties and studies on floral behavior.

Advisor

Pecege

Jan 2022 - May 2024 • 2 yrs 5 mos

Advisor in the MBA Project Management and Data Science e Analytics

Advisor

SolloAgro - ESALQ/USP

Oct 2021 - May 2024 • 2 yrs 8 mos

Advisor in the Specialization in Plant Physiology, Nutrition and Plant Development / Soils and Plant Nutrition.

Master

Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina

Aug 2019 - Jul 2021 • 2 yrs • Lages e Região, Brasil

Master's researcher in Crop Science, focusing on projects with raspberry, strawberry, peach, apple, pear, vine, and hop crops. The defended dissertation concentrated on raspberry cultivation, incorporating multivariate approaches to select materials adapted to the specific growing region.

Trainee

CREA Ricerca

Mar 2019 - Jun 2019 • 4 mos • Forlì Cesena e Região, Itália

Engaged in the genetic improvement of temperate climate fruit crops, conducting and monitoring experiments in collaboration with researchers.

Trainee

ELIAS GONCALVES DA SILVEIRA – Sítio Nhombuca

Dec 2018 - Mar 2019 • 4 mos • São Paulo e Região, Brasil

Responsible for two hectares of greenhouses in hydroponic system with production of Lettuce and Arugula. Acting from the production of seedlings to harvest.

Accountant Assistant Sr.

Huawei Technologies

Apr 2012 - Jan 2014 • 1 yr 10 mos • Sorocaba e Região, Brasil

Payment control of the southeast region of all administrative expenses. Organizing the entire flow of payments with the Chinese headquarters. Report and problem control with Chinese management. Working with Oracle ERP systems and internal company systems.

Trainee Accounts Receivable

Symrise

Apr 2011 - Apr 2012 • 1 yr 1 mo • Sorocaba e Região, Brasil

Responsible for consolidating all data from the LATAM accounts receivable department, using systems such as Hyperion and SAP as well as advanced Excel for preparing Cash Flow, budget and forecast. Analysis and release of credit for national and international clients, evaluating through balance sheets.

Accounts Receivable

Emerson Process Management

Oct 2008 - Apr 2011 • 2 yrs 7 mos • Sorocaba e Região, Brasil

Working since the age of 16 as an apprentice in the treasury department. Effective and responsible for analysis and credit release of national clients. Using systems such as Oracle, Datasul and advanced Excel to meet internal and external audits. Accounts payable support.