Elisson Romanel | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Prof Dr. Elisson Romanel | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Professor Researcher at School of Engineering of Lorena, Brazil.

Dr. Elisson Romanel is a prominent researcher and Professor of Functional Genomics and Plant Biotechnology at the School of Engineering of Lorena, University of São Paulo, Brazil. He holds a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, with a focus on plant development and genomics, earned from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. His postdoctoral research included significant collaborations at renowned institutions, such as Iowa State University and the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Dr. Romanel founded the Plant Genomics and Bionergy Laboratory, focusing on the genetic and metabolic pathways in sugarcane and related grasses to enhance biomass utilization in biorefineries. He has secured various grants and published extensively in respected journals, contributing valuable insights into plant genomics, flowering time regulation, and lignocellulosic metabolism. Additionally, he has supervised numerous graduate students, shaping the next generation of scientists in the field of plant biotechnology.

Profile:

Education

Dr. Elisson Romanel completed his undergraduate studies in Biological Sciences at the Federal University of Juiz de Fora in Brazil, earning his degree in 2004. He then pursued his Ph.D. at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, where he was awarded a sandwich Ph.D. in February 2010. During this time, he conducted research at prominent institutions, including the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the USA and the École Normale Supérieure de Lyon in France, under the supervision of Dr. Marcio Alves Ferreira. Following his Ph.D., Dr. Romanel continued his academic journey with a postdoctoral fellowship at the same university, focusing on virus, small RNAs, and transposons. His research also involved collaboration with esteemed researchers at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, where he studied the Flowering Time Gene Regulatory Network. Dr. Romanel’s extensive educational background laid a solid foundation for his current role as a professor in Functional Genomics and Plant Biotechnology.

Professional Experiences 

Dr. Elisson Romanel is a distinguished researcher and educator currently serving as a Professor of Functional Genomics and Plant Biotechnology at the School of Engineering of Lorena, University of São Paulo (EEL/USP) in Brazil. He founded the Plant Genomics and Bionergy Laboratory (PGEMBL) in 2016, focusing on gene prospecting related to biomass control and lignocellulosic metabolism, particularly in sugarcane and related grasses. Dr. Romanel has conducted significant postdoctoral research at prestigious institutions, including the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro and Iowa State University, where he collaborated with renowned scientists in plant genomics and biotechnology. His work encompasses bioinformatics, gene cloning, and plant transformation, contributing to the understanding of plant development and flowering time regulatory networks. He has actively supervised several graduate students and served on editorial boards for prominent journals, further showcasing his commitment to advancing research in plant sciences and biotechnology.

Research Interests

Dr. Elisson Romanel’s research interests lie at the intersection of functional genomics and plant biotechnology, with a strong focus on the fundamental and applied aspects of plant development. His work primarily investigates gene regulatory networks and the molecular mechanisms that govern flowering time in plants such as Arabidopsis, eucalyptus, and cotton. He has extensively studied small RNAs, transposons, and the biosynthesis pathways of hemicellulose in sugarcane, aiming to enhance the utilization of plant biomass for biorefinery applications. Dr. Romanel is particularly interested in the evolutionary aspects of plant genes and their roles in lignocellulosic metabolism, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices and industrial biotechnology. Through his research at the Plant Genomics and Bionergy Laboratory (PGEMBL), he aims to uncover the genetic bases of traits that improve biomass recalcitrance and enhance bioenergy production, ultimately addressing global challenges in energy sustainability and food security.

Research skills 

Dr. Elisson Romanel possesses a diverse and comprehensive skill set in research, primarily focusing on functional genomics and plant biotechnology. His expertise includes bioinformatics, gene cloning, plant transformation, and structural and functional genomics analysis, particularly in species such as Arabidopsis, eucalyptus, and cotton. Dr. Romanel’s proficiency in transcriptome profiling and gene expression analysis allows him to investigate complex biological processes, such as flowering induction and biomass development. His ability to conduct multidisciplinary research is exemplified by collaborations with renowned laboratories and institutions worldwide, including those in the United States and Mexico. Furthermore, he has demonstrated strong leadership and mentorship skills through his supervision of numerous graduate students, guiding them in their academic and research pursuits. With a robust publication record and experience in securing research funding, Dr. Romanel effectively translates his research findings into practical applications, contributing significantly to advancements in agricultural biotechnology and plant sciences.

Award and Recognition 

Dr. Elisson Romanel is a distinguished researcher in the field of plant biotechnology and functional genomics, recognized for his significant contributions to the understanding of plant development and biomass utilization. He has secured multiple grants from esteemed funding bodies, including CAPES and FAPESP, showcasing his ability to attract substantial financial support for research initiatives. His work has led to numerous publications in reputable journals, highlighting his innovative research on gene expression and metabolic pathways in crops like sugarcane and eucalyptus. Dr. Romanel’s editorial roles on the boards of Brazilian Journal of Botany, BMC Genomics, and Frontiers in Plant Science reflect his expertise and standing in the scientific community. Furthermore, his leadership in founding the Plant Genomics and Bionergy Laboratory at the School of Engineering of Lorena, University of São Paulo, underscores his commitment to advancing research and training future scientists in the field.

Conclusion

Dr. Elisson Romanel’s comprehensive educational background, extensive research experience, leadership in establishing a laboratory, and significant contributions to plant biotechnology position him as a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His ability to innovate and lead in important research areas related to plant genomics and bioenergy, combined with his dedication to mentoring the next generation of scientists, underscores his value to the scientific community. With some focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and public engagement, Dr. Romanel could further enhance his contributions to science and society.

Publication Top Notes
  1. SacEXP32 sugarcane expansin gene expression increases cell size and improves biomass digestibility
    • Authors: Mira, W., Heinz, O., Gonçalvez, A., Ferraz, A., da Franca Silva, T.
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Journal of Plant Biochemistry and Biotechnology
    • Volume/Issue/Page: 33(3), pp. 313–325
  2. Plant age-dependent dynamics of annatto pigment (bixin) biosynthesis in Bixa orellana
    • Authors: de Godoy Machado, K.L., Faria, D.V., Duarte, M.B.S., Otoni, W.C., Nogueira, F.T.S.
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Journal of Experimental Botany
    • Volume/Issue/Page: 75(5), pp. 1390–1406
  3. Advances in Tissue Culture and Transformation Studies in Non-model Species: Passiflora spp. (Passifloraceae)
    • Authors: Otoni, W.C., Soares, J.R., Souza, C.S., Nogueira, F.T.S., Silva, M.L.C.
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Methods in Molecular Biology
    • Volume/Issue/Page: 2827, pp. 207–222
  4. Editorial: System biology to regulatory grids: new tools and clues aimed at improving plant evolutionary-developmental (Evo-Devo) biology
    • Authors: Romanel, E., DePaoli, H.C., Brito, M.D.S.
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Frontiers in Plant Science
    • Volume/Issue/Page: 15, 1380569
  5. Erratum: Analysis of the PEBP gene family and identification of a novel FT orthologue in sugarcane
    • Authors: Venail, J., Da Silva Santos, P.H., Manechini, J.R., Pinto, L., Jackson, S.D.
    • Year: 2022
    • Journal: Journal of Experimental Botany
    • Volume/Issue/Page: 73(12), pp. 4266
  6. Analysis of the PEBP gene family and identification of a novel FLOWERING LOCUS T orthologue in sugarcane
    • Authors: Venail, J., Da Silva Santos, P.H., Manechini, J.R., Pinto, L., Jackson, S.D.
    • Year: 2022
    • Journal: Journal of Experimental Botany
    • Volume/Issue/Page: 73(7), pp. 2035–2049
  7. Expression of Melocactus glaucescens SERK1 sheds new light on the mechanism of areolar activation in cacti
    • Authors: Torres-Silva, G., Correia, L.N.F., Koehler, A.D., Specht, C.D., Otoni, W.C.
    • Year: 2021
    • Journal: Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture
    • Volume/Issue/Page: 147(3), pp. 437–451
  8. Selection and validation of reference genes by RT-qPCR under photoperiodic induction of flowering in sugarcane (Saccharum spp.)
    • Authors: da Silva Santos, P.H., Manechini, J.R.V., Brito, M.S., Jackson, S., Pinto, L.R.
    • Year: 2021
    • Journal: Scientific Reports
    • Volume/Issue/Page: 11(1), 4589
  9. Transcriptome Analysis of Melocactus glaucescens (Cactaceae) Reveals Metabolic Changes During in vitro Shoot Organogenesis Induction
    • Authors: Torres-Silva, G., Correia, L.N.F., Batista, D.S., Specht, C.D., Otoni, W.C.
    • Year: 2021
    • Journal: Frontiers in Plant Science
    • Volume/Issue/Page: 12, 697556
  10. Transcriptomic Analysis of Changes in Gene Expression During Flowering Induction in Sugarcane Under Controlled Photoperiodic Conditions
  • Authors: Manechini, J.R.V., Santos, P.H.D.S., Romanel, E., Pinto, L.R., Vicentini, R.
  • Year: 2021
  • Journal: Frontiers in Plant Science
  • Volume/Issue/Page: 12, 635784