I am a biologist with wide-ranging experience in bioinformatics and molecular approaches for gene identification, gene mapping, and molecular characterization of germplasm collections from orphan and cultivated crops. I have implemented genomic selection strategies as well as genome editing approaches in staple crops such as potatoes (resulting in two patents) and blueberries. The combination of such techniques, along with germplasm characterization and gene discovery, has allowed me to contribute to accelerating the generation of new potato varieties and exploiting heterosis in advanced breeding lines. Currently, I am working in the blueberry breeding program at the University of Florida, leading the molecular biology and genome editing team. We are exploring new tools to test genome editing reagents, regeneration media, marker testing for MAS and gene validation for southern highbush blueberry cultivars. Our ultimate goal is to contribute to accelerate the generation of new blueberry cultivars.