Alignment with Award Category
Dr. Lopesâ extensive research contributions in plant systematics, evolutionary biology, and biogeography position her as a strong candidate for the Women Researcher Award. Her work has significantly advanced the field, and her association with prestigious institutions such as Harvard University highlights her recognition as a leading researcher in her domain.
 Harvard University | United States
Profile
Orcid
Scholar
đEarly Academic PursuitsÂ
Education and Training
Jenifer C. Lopes has dedicated her career to understanding the evolutionary patterns, systematics, and biogeography of plants in the Neotropics. Her academic journey began at the University of SĂŁo Paulo, where she earned her Bachelorâs degree in Biology (2005â2009). She further specialized in botany by completing her Masterâs degree (2010â2012) and later obtained a Ph.D. in Botany (2012â2018) from the same institution. Throughout her studies, she developed a profound interest in plant systematics, particularly focusing on the Annonaceae family and the biodiversity of the Brazilian flora.
đŒProfessional EndeavorsÂ
Academic Positions
Jeniferâs professional career has been marked by significant contributions to plant systematics and evolutionary biology. From 2019 to 2023, she worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of SĂŁo Pauloâs Instituto de BiociĂȘncias, where she deepened her expertise in botany. In September 2023, she joined Harvard University Herbaria as a Research Associate in the Department of Organismic & Evolutionary Biology. Her current work at Harvard is focused on the systematics of Vellozia, a genus native to South American mountaintops, particularly within the biodiversity-rich campos rupestres of Brazil.
đContributions and Research Focus on Plant conservation
Lopesâ research has primarily revolved around the systematics, biogeography, and evolutionary history of plant families, particularly Annonaceae and Velloziaceae. She has investigated the historical biogeography of Vellozia, shedding light on range expansion in South American mountaintops following climatic cooling events. Her work has also explored the role of frugivores in the dispersal of Annonaceae from Africa to the Neotropics, leading to multiple transitions across biomes. Additionally, her research on phytotoxicity in Annona coriacea has contributed to understanding the chemical ecology of plant species in tropical ecosystems.
đAccolades and RecognitionÂ
Lopesâ contributions have been widely recognized within the scientific community. Her work has been cited extensively, and she has collaborated with leading researchers in the field of botany. She has participated in international research collaborations and contributed to the conservation of endangered plant species through her taxonomic and ecological studies.
đ Impact and InfluenceÂ
Community Impact
Jenifer C. Lopes’ research has had a profound impact on the fields of systematics, evolutionary biology, and conservation science. Her studies on the diversification and adaptation of plant lineages in response to climatic and ecological changes have provided valuable insights into plant evolution in tropical and subtropical environments. By documenting new species and analyzing their evolutionary history, she has contributed to biodiversity conservation efforts, particularly in South Americaâs threatened ecosystems.
đźLegacy and Future ContributionsÂ