Dr. Katia Viana Xavier is an Assistant Professor of Plant Pathology at the University of Florida/IFAS Everglades Research & Education Center (EREC). She earned her Bachelor's degree in Agronomy from Federal University of Viçosa (UFV), Brazil, her Master’s degree in Plant Pathology from Federal University of Lavras (UFLA), Brazil, and her Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from the University of Kentucky, USA. Her career includes roles as a postdoctoral researcher and field scientist, providing her with extensive expertise in plant disease dynamics. At EREC, she advances sustainable disease management strategies for high-value crops, aiming to enhance food security and promote agricultural sustainability.