Andre Luiz Biscaia Ribeiro da Silva, Ph.D. - profile information
More information about Andre Luiz Biscaia Ribeiro da Silva, Ph.D.
- Associate Professor
- Extension Specialist
- Department of Horticulture
Short Bio
Innovative educator, researcher, and extension specialist with a strong record of interdisciplinary work in sustainable production of horticulture, precision agriculture, and agricultural systems. Dr. da Silva’s program focuses on developing best management practices (BMPs) to enhance the pre- and post-harvest yield and quality of specialty crops on local, national, and global aspects. His work emphasizes plant physiology, water and nutrient management across conventional, organic, vertical farming, and high tunnel systems, as well as water conservation strategies for various irrigation methods. He also conducts research on fertilization strategies, variety evaluation, and the use of crop models to assess the impact of weather variability on production. In collaboration with an interdisciplinary team, Dr. da Silva addresses integrated pest and disease management and explores the use of precision agriculture practices to enhance the sustainable framework of the specialty crop industry.More bio information
Education
Ph.D.Department of Horticultural Science/University of Florida2017
M.S.Departmeng of Agronomy/State University of Maringa2014
B.S.Departmeng of Agronomy/State University of Maringa2011
Professional Experience
- Oct. 2024 to Present, Associate Professor, Auburn University
- Feb. 2021 to Oct. 2024, Assistant Professor, Auburn University
- Aug. 2018 to Jan. 2021, Assistant Professor, University of Georgia
- Jan. 2018 to Jan. 2019, Statistical Consultant, University of Florida
- Jan. 2018 to July 2018, Postdoctoral Research Associate, University of Florida
- Aug. 2016 to Dec. 2016, Agricultural Crop Modeler, Iteris, Inc.
Research
Dr. Silva’s research focuses on data-driven, scalable solutions that enhance efficiency and sustainability across the food production value chain. His projects address climate resilience, resource optimization, and technology adoption through strategic, measurable research. With over $15M in funding and several peer-reviewed publications, his work bridges innovation and impact. He is expanding into AI and precision agriculture to drive smarter, more resilient agricultural andbusiness models.Extension Experience
Dr. da Silva applies a systems-thinking approach to sustainability, focusing on innovation and efficiency across the agricultural value chain. His work centers on developing scalable technologies that enable producers and agribusinesses to optimize operations, reduce input costs, and enhance decision-making. By aligning environmental responsibility with economic performance, he help stakeholders capture new market opportunities and improve long-term resilience. His initiatives demonstrate how sustainability can be leveraged as a strategic asset, driving value creation from production through distribution. Dr. Silva equips future leaders with the tools and mindset to build competitive, adaptive enterprises within evolving sustainability frameworks.Dr. da Silva's Lab Team
Michell Gonçalves de Oliveira is a Research Assistant with a bachelor’s degree in Agronomy. He holds a Graduate Certificate in Plant Physiology and an MBA in Business Management. His professional experience includes applied research with private companies and management of grape production as a farm manager. Before joining Auburn University, he also worked as a Viticulture Consultant.
Erick David Gutiérrez Benites is a Ph.D. student in Horticulture with a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering from Universidad Zamorano and a master's degree in plant breeding and plant genetics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Erick’s research integrates soil physics, plant physiology, and data science to evaluate how biochar amendments influence nutrient retention, water availability, and crop performance in sandy soils. He has solid experience in agricultural innovation, having led applied training programs and collaborative research on sustainable production systems in Central America. Erick is also interested in developing AI-driven tools that merge crop and soil science to improve resource-use efficiency and promote sustainable agriculture. Outside of his academic work, Erick enjoys hiking, reading, watching movies, and spending time with family and friends.
Henrique Grossi Bovi is a master’s student in Horticulture with a bachelor’s in Agricultural Engineer from the Federal University of Viçosa. His research focuses on advancing agricultural application technologies using unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), aiming to enhance efficiency, precision, and sustainability in field spraying and monitoring. Henrique brings experience in molecular biology, seed production, and drone-based spraying and sensing technologies. As a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, he combines expertise in process optimization with a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation in agribusiness.
Luan Wesley Aparecido Pereira Alves graduated from UNESP with a bachelor’s in Agricultural Engineering in 2022. Currently, he is a master’s student focusing on pre-planting land preparation for growing sweet corns and tomatoes organically. Luan has worked at SoluBio, Nutrien Ag Solutions, and Biond Agro, where he had hands-on experience in crop production, biological products, market intelligence, and sustainable farming practices. In his free time, he enjoys being at home with his wife, watching movies and TV shows, cooking, going to the gym, and sometimes going out.
Alex Lahue graduated from Auburn University with a bachelor’s in horticulture –nursery and greenhouse science in 2022. She currently specializes in hop production as a graduate research assistant, focusing on evaluating the performance of selected hop cultivars across different trellis systems in Mobile, Alabama. Her work includes routine field data collection and analysis, such as photosynthetic performance and biomass accumulation, as well as crop management, harvesting, and post-harvest processing. To analyze alpha and beta acid content of hop cones, Alex utilizes high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methodologies in a laboratory setting. In her spare time, she enjoys painting, cooking with her husband, and snuggling with her cat.
Sara Paz is a master’s student in Horticulture at Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering from La Escuela Agrícola Panamericana El Zamorano. She specializes in vegetable crops, including solanaceous, cucurbit, and brassica species, with experience in field and laboratory research, data collection and analysis, crop management, and the implementation of organic production practices. Sara has a strong background in horticulture and entomology research and is passionate about sustainable agriculture and developing best management practices to improve crop performance. Outside of research, she enjoys baking, exercising, painting, and hiking, bringing creativity and curiosity to both her work and personal pursuits.
