Luiz Alexandre Peternelli

Luiz Alexandre Peternelli is Full Professor of Statistics at the Federal University of Viçosa (UFV), Brazil, and a leading researcher in the Sugarcane Breeding Program. He specializes in statistical and quantitative genetics, machine learning, mixed models, experimental design, and predictive modeling using spectral (e.g. NIR) and multispectral imaging data. He holds multiple postdocs abroad and contributes both to academic research and applied consultancy via LAPEA-UFV. 

Current Position:

• Full Professor, Department of Statistics, Universidade Federal de Viçosa (UFV), Brazil 
• Researcher, Sugarcane Breeding Program, 
• CNPq Productivity in Research Fellow, Level 1C 

Areas of Expertise:

• Mixed Models & Biometrics 
• Experimental Design 
• Statistical Learning / Machine Learning 
• Predictive modeling using NIR and multispectral imaging data 
• Plant Breeding (especially sugarcane), Genomic Selection & Quantitative Genetics 

Academic Background:

• Post-Doctorate in Statistical Learning Models, Virginia Polytechnic & State University, USA (2019-2020) 
• Post-Doctorate in Statistical Genetics & Genomics, University of Wisconsin, USA (2012-2013) 
• Post-Doctorate in Advanced Statistical Methods, Michigan State University, USA (2006-2007) 
• Ph.D. in Statistics & Plant Breeding, Iowa State University, USA (1999) 
• M.Sc. in Genetics & Plant Breeding, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Brazil (1991) 
• B.Sc. in Agronomy, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Brazil (1988)