I'm Mariana
Mariana
Santos-Silva
Researcher and entrepreneur
Bridging science with entrepreneurship, sustainably.
I collaborate and advise companies, researchers, and NGOs in their initiatives and campaigns
Working with youth from diverse countries since 2015, I soon discovered the power of cultural and knowledge exchange initiatives. I've been shaping my skills outside my comfort zone to expand my job opportunities, when I have realized my purpose for teaching. I am an explorer by nature, the world is my home.
Latest events & news
For 7 days last May, I had the privilege of participating in a training course on non-formal education, on the shores of the wonderful Lake Ohrid, Macedonia.
An intense week of learning and sharing of best-practices with a diverse group of teachers, activists, educators and social workers. These colleagues were representing organizations from Turkey, Latvia, France, Macedonia, Armenia and Portugal.
This training course was co-financed by the Erasmus+ program, organized by the Jasna Idnina Association and with Portuguese representation from the Check-In Association.
I couldn't have asked for a more inspiring group! I have to say our facilitator Marjia also did a great job organizing the workshops and training us 😊
More information about the course here at their Facebook Page
Previous events
Feedback from students & colleagues
Initiatives & roles
2023
Academic Consultancy Training (ACT)
mandatory MSc course at WUR
Academic Advisor
in scientific and entrepreneurial projects related to plant sciences and permaculture
2023
ASPAR_KR
data sharing & management
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 & 2021-2025
Wageningen University & Research
PhD in Genetics
collaborations with entrepreneurship and education sciences
ology
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
freedom for
creativity
Entrepreneurship
mindset
(international)
team work
Languages
Portuguese
native speaker
English
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Spanish
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French
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Dutch
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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 diverse topics, from health to technology or self-awareness. Through these type of education, I am able to improve my teaching skills and fulfill my passion for cultural exchanges.
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.