Rodrigo Almeida

Professor of Emerging Infectious Disease Ecology

Hildebrand-Laumeister Chair in Plant Pathology

Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management

Affiliated Faculty, Essig Museum of Entomology

Research Description

My research focuses on the biology, ecology, evolution, and management of insect-borne plant pathogens. Research topics range from insect-microbe interactions to disease ecology and pathogen genomics. I also work on translating research into disease management practices.

Education

Ph.D.Environmental Science Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley, 2002

M.S.Entomology, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil 1999

B.Sc.Agronomy, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil, 1997

Recent Teaching

Undergraduate level – Insects and Human Society, Microbial Ecology, Freshman Seminars.

Graduate level – Pathogen and Disease Ecology, Current Topics in Arthropod Science, Seminar in Environmental Sciences.

Recent Appointments

2019-2023, Chair, Division of Organisms and Environment, Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley

2019-Present, Affiliated Faculty, Essig Museum of Entomology, University of California, Berkeley

2016-Present, Professor, Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley

2013-14, Chercheur Étranger (Foreign Researcher), l’Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), Biologie et Génétique des Interactions Plante-Parasite, Montpellier, France

2011-16, Associate Professor, Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley

2006-11, Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley

2003-05, Assistant Professor, Department of Plant and Environment Protection Sciences, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2003-05

Selected Publications

• Peer-reviewed research manuscripts: 140

• Reviews, book chapters: 22

• Google Scholar

Selected Honors and Awards

• 2025, Fellow, California Academy of Sciences

• 2024, UC Berkeley Graduate Assembly Faculty Mentor Award

• 2021, Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science

• 2021, Lee M. Hutchins Award, American Phytopathological Society

• 2014-Present, Hildebrand-Laumeister Chair in Plant Pathology, University of California, Berkeley

• 2013-14, Marie Curie Research Fellow, Montpellier, France

• 2013-14, Fulbright Research Scholar, Montpellier, France

• 2012, Syngenta Award (aka Early Career Award), American Phytopathological Society

• 2009, Schroth Faces of the Future in Bacteriology Award, American Phytopathological Society

• 2008, Hellman Family Faculty Award, University of California, Berkeley

• 2002, Julius H. Freitag Memorial Award, University of California, Berkeley

• 1997, ‘A’ Encarnado. Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil

Professional Service

2020-Present, Member of United Nations FAO/IAEA working group on a global program addressing food security and climate-smart agriculture

2022, Member of Science Advisory Panel, California Dept. Food and Agriculture Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Program

2017-24, Section Editor, Phytopathology, 2024- present, Tropical Plant Pathology

2018, Focus Issue Editor, Xylella fastidiosa, Phytopathology