Adriana Costa

Dr. Adriana Costa is an Assistant Professor of Wood Anatomy at Mississippi State University's Department of Sustainable Bioproducts, affiliated with the Forest and Wildlife Research Center. A graduate of the University of São Paulo with degrees in Biological Sciences, Wood Science & Technology, and Botany, her research focuses on forensic wood identification using computer vision, DNA analysis, and spectroscopy to combat illegal logging. She curates the fourth-largest wood collection in the U.S. and previously managed Latin America's largest xylarium. Her work bridges botanical science with applied technologies like machine learning for species classification and NIRS field diagnostics.

• Education: PhD Botany (2007), MSc Wood Science (2001), BSc Biological Sciences (1997)
• Professional Experience: 6 years as a Brazilian professor, 5 years postdoctoral research at USDA Forest Products Lab

Research specialties include wood porosity analysis, DNA microcapture techniques, and timber trade compliance. Awards include the George Marra Award and recognition for teaching excellence. Current projects involve cascading computer-vision models and field-deployable identification tools.

• Key Collaborations: USDA Forest Service, LPF-Brasília, University of Wisconsin
• Grants Managed: Multiple NSF-funded projects on wood mechanics and conservation