I'm Mariana
Mariana Santos-Silva
Researcher and entrepreneur
Bridging science with entrepreneurship, sustainably.
I advise companies, fellow entrepreneurs, researchers, and NGOs in their initiatives and campaigns
Working with youth from diverse countries since 2015, I soon discovered the power of cultural initiatives and knowledge exchange. I've been shaping my skills outside my comfort zone to expand my job opportunities, but now also to guide those who ask for advice in their new career journeys or life challenges.
News
I am joining SLUSH as part of the Dutch committee!
SLUSH facilitates meetings between the founders of startups and investors such as venture capitalists, accomplished with events such as matchmaking and pitching competitions. Slush aims to build a worldwide startup community and will take place in Helsinki.
The Dutch delegation will be on site from Nov 27th until Dec 2nd to make the best of this event!
More information about the event here https://slush.org/
Feedback from students & colleagues
Initiatives
2023
Academic Consultancy Training (ACT)
mandatory MSc course at WUR
Academic Advisor
in projects related to plant sciences and business
2023
ASPAR_KR
data sharing & management
project leader
2023
The Green Room
startup
I've partnered up my team to work with SoftSquare company to jointly develop a green solution for mental health improvement through nature
2021
Penso Rápido
podcast
co-host of a podcast where I discuss diverse topics (finances, career, life, relationships, travel, evolution...) and where we share experiences about being a young scientist
2021
PlantWizard
company
co-founder & CEO
2021
ISOW
international organization to support students
Vice-president & secretary
2021
ESN
international organization to support students
ESN Aveiro - Coordinator of Events
ESN Wageningen - member
Scientific experience & trainning
2017- 2019
Wageningen University & Research
MSc Plant Sciences
specialization in Phytopathology and Entomology
2013 - 2016
University of Aveiro
BSc Biology
2019 - 2020
University of Porto
faculty of sciences (FCUP)
research in the field of fungal pathogens of agricultural crops
2019
Ministry of Agriculture
north region department (DRAP Norte)
research in the field of fungal pathogens of the vineyard
2020- 2021
University of Valladolid
faculty of forestry & agriculture
research in the field of metagenomics of forest fungal pathogens
2018- 2019
University of São Paulo
faculty of agriculture (ESALQ)
research in the field of Biological Control of insect pests
Key working factors
Microbiology
particularly fungi
Data management
both scientific and corporate data
Team work
makes the dream work
Entrepreneurship
from idealization to realization
Freedom for creativity
International environment
Languages
Portuguese
native speaker
English
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Spanish
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French
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Dutch
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Training on non-formal education
Teaching was not always my obvious why. Gladly, I found my purpose soon enough. Since 2021 that I have been part of projects and trainings on and about non-formal education. Most of the courses were sponsored by the European Union through the Erasmus+ program.
Let's talk
Wondering how to jump into a new career path? Or how can your project be successful abroad? Let's talk.