Leonardo Jo

Dr. Leonardo Jo is a postdoctoral researcher at Utrecht University's Plant Ecophysiology Group, focusing on gene regulatory mechanisms in plant development. He holds a PhD in Plant Biology from the University of California Davis, where his dissertation explored transcriptional networks controlling soybean seed development, and a Master's degree in Biotechnology from the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil.

• Current Researcher at Utrecht University (November 2021–Present)
• PhD in Plant Biology (2021), University of California Davis
• Ms.C. in Biotechnology (2012), University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
• BS in Biological Sciences (2008), University of Sao Paulo, Brazil

Leonardo's research expertise spans Plant Development, Bioinformatics, and Mechanisms of Gene Regulation, with a focus on transcription networks and somatic embryogenesis. His work combines experimental and computational approaches to study gene regulation in plant development, particularly in soybean seed biology and Brazilian pine somatic embryogenesis.

His publication record includes studies on proteomic analysis, polyamines, and reactive oxygen species in Brazilian pine embryogenic cultures, comparative transcriptomics in pine embryos, and combinatorial interactions of transcription factors in soybean seed development. He has presented at international conferences such as the Plant Biology Retreat, American Society of Plant Biologists Meeting, and Plant and Animal Genomes.

• CNPq - National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (Brazil) grant (2007-2009)
• CAPES grant for graduate studies in Brazil (2009-2011)
• LASPAU Science without Borders program (2014-2018)
• Elsie Taylor Stocking Memorial Fellowship (2017-18)
• Professors for the Future Fellowship, UC Davis (2018-2019)
• Walter R. and Roselinde H. Russell Fellowship (2019-2020)
• Student Travel Grants and Best Poster Award (2011-2018)

As an educator, Leonardo served as Main Lecturer for UC Davis courses on plant development and professional English presentations and has held teaching assistant roles for plant physiology and genetic engineering courses. He is actively involved in the Kajala Lab at Utrecht University, where he investigates gene regulatory networks in plant development under fluctuating environments, supported by NWO grant VI.Vidi.193.104.