Eric Pereira

The topic of Plant-microbial interactions and Microbial Ecology has always fascinated me. My doctoral thesis was supported by the prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Research Fellowship Ph.D. Programme. My thesis focused on fungal endophytic interactions with plant roots under abiotic stress conditions.

Prior to enrolling in the Ph.D. program, I had the opportunity to work on various projects about the impact of microorganisms on the environment. Specifically, I explored the interactions between plants and phytopathogenic and beneficial microorganisms.

As a postdoctoral research fellow at the University College Dublin, I am investigating the changes in the root system architecture of potato plants resulting from arbuscular mycorrhizas (AMF), potato cyst nematodes (PCN), and simultaneous AMF/PCN in situ. For that, I am using X-ray computed tomography (CT) to determine how both AMF and PCN compete for a position in the plant, assessing the mass/volume of belowground growth and 3-dimensional spatial root growth.

My expertise and contributions in these scientific fields have been recognized by invitations to deliver talks and presentations at various research institutes. These opportunities have allowed me to share my research findings and insights with fellow academics, industry professionals, and other stakeholders. In addition to my academic engagements, I have also been actively involved in scientific dissemination. Through various outreach programs and initiatives, I have worked to promote scientific literacy and awareness among farmers and the wider public, particularly on issues related to agriculture and sustainability. I believe that fostering such collaborations and partnerships is crucial in advancing scientific knowledge and achieving real-world impact.

September 2023