Leonor Guedes da Silva

Leonor Guedes da Silva has a diverse work experience spanning multiple roles and industries. Leonor began their career as a Student Engagement Coordinator at NAPE-IST from 2011 to 2012. Leonor then worked as a Student Researcher at TU Delft, focusing on downstream processing for advanced biofuel production, from September 2012 to January 2013. Leonor subsequently served as a Visiting Student Researcher at Johns Hopkins University, conducting their master's thesis research on prostate cancer cell response to drug therapy at the Wirtz Lab from February 2014 to December 2014.

From 2015 to 2019, Leonor pursued their Ph.D. at Delft University of Technology, researching the cycles of polyphosphate Accumulating organisms and connecting genotype to phenotype. During this time, they explored a systems biology view of life in changing environments.

Leonor joined DSM as a Data and Modeling (Senior) Associate Scientist in 2019, where they led the R&D Digital Transformation efforts. Their responsibilities included coordinating the implementation of a global data platform for food manufacturing technical support and analyzing biological datasets for insight generation and the development of ML/AI models. Leonor also served as a scientific lead and speaker at various company events.

In 2022, Leonor transitioned to DSM-Firmenich, taking on the role of R&D Manager and Tech Platform Director. In this capacity, they led a cross-functional team in lab data automation and food application development. Their responsibilities included spearheading innovative data product development, collaborating with business and IT leadership, and serving as a mentor and champion for Agile and Design Thinking methodologies.

Currently, Leonor holds the position of Data Product Manager and Chapter (Team) Lead Data Products at DSM-Firmenich. Leonor combines tech, data, and UX expertise to create bioscience data products aligned with business priorities. Leonor collaborates with various stakeholders to design and implement data products and nurtures the data product management competence within the organization.

Leonor Guedes da Silva completed their education as follows:

- From 2015 to 2021, they pursued a Doctor of Philosophy - PhD degree in Systems Microbiology at Delft University of Technology.

- Between 2009 and 2014, they obtained an Integrated Master (BSc + MSc) degree in Biological Engineering from Instituto Superior Técnico.

- In 2012 and 2013, they participated in the Erasmus Exchange Program at Delft University of Technology, completing a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Life Science and Technology, specializing in Biochemical Engineering.

- In 2006 to 2009, they completed their high school education at Escola Secundária S. João do Estoril.

- In 2021, they obtained a certification in Analytics Translation from GoDataDriven | Part of Xebia.