Ana Cristina Fermino Soares

Ana Cristina Fermino Soares, was the Dean of Research and Graduate Studies at the Federal University of Recôncavo of Bahia (UFRB), in Brazil, and the director of the Internacional Office. She is the coordenator of the graduate Programa in Agricultural Microbiology. She was a member of the commission that organized and implanted UFRB, as the second Federal University in the state of Bahia. She was a member of the commission that created the first doctoral degree in agricultural science and the masters program in agricultural microbiology at UFRB. She was born in Mozambique, grew up in Cape Verde and has Brazilian citizenship. Has a Bachelor of Science with honors and summa cum laude, and a Master of Science in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Arizona, USA, and a Doctoral Degree in Plant Production/Soil Microbiology from the State University of North Fluminense (UENF), State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Teaches general microbiology, plant-microbe interactions, and a laboratory class in agricultural microbiology. Has published in international and national scientific journals and has research work on plant growth promotion and biological control, with special interest in Trichoderma, actinobacteria and mycorrhizal fungi. Has interest and is initiating research work with mushroom production. Has a main project focused on the development of technology for sustainable production of Agave sisalana (plant tissue culture techniques, disease control, planting systems, utilization of plant residues generated during sisal leaf decortication for fibre production) in the semiarid region of Bahia State. Brazil.