Luis Carlos da Silva Soares

Forestry Engineer graduated from the Federal Institute of Minas Gerais (IFMG), holding both a master’s and a Ph.D. in Plant Genetics and Breeding from the Federal University of Lavras (UFLA). Works in data science, biometrics, experimental statistics, digital phenotyping, and artificial intelligence applied to plant breeding and agri-forestry data analysis. Experienced in image processing and deep learning models for trait phenotyping in eucalyptus and corn. Conducts research in genomic selection, evaluating frequentist, Bayesian, ensemble, machine learning, and deep learning models. Also works with heuristic and metaheuristic algorithms applied to mate allocation and crossing design—aiming to maximize genetic gain while controlling inbreeding—as well as simulations applied to experimental sizing and design. In the private sector, worked as a breeding data analyst, focusing on experimental data analysis for eucalyptus breeding programs, project tracking, technical data curation, and decision-support modeling. Currently a postdoctoral researcher at the Federal University of Viçosa (UFV) at IDATA, focusing on enviromics applied to coffee cultivation and non-linear feature selection methods.