Dr. Marcia Buanafina

Professor

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Biography

Marcia Maria de Oliveira Buanafina is a Research Professor at Eberly College of Science, specializing in Biology. She holds a Ph.D. in Plant Breeding Genetics from the University of Wales/IBERS, Aberystwyth, UK, and a B.A. in Agronomic Engineering from the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Brazil. Dr. Buanafina has a solid postdoctoral background with training at the Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research in Aberystwyth, Wales. Her research interests focus on feruloylation and lignification in grass cell walls, specifically how ferulate esters cross-link with xylans to incorporate into lignin, forming ferulate-polysaccharide-lignin complexes. The Buanafina lab aims to understand the role of feruloylation in grass cell walls and the genetic factors involved in this process. Additionally, the lab investigates the expression of fungal cell wall degrading enzymes in planta to enhance the nutritional value of grass for ruminant feed and bioenergy crops. Various genetic and biochemical techniques, including spectrophotometry and chromatography, are utilized in her research pursuits.

Research Interests

Requirements for Pennsylvania State University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Writing
Required:24
Speaking
Required:23
Total
Required:100
IELTS
Writing
Required:7
Speaking
Required:7
Overall
Required:7
GRE General
Prerequisites
Master's degree in related field for PhD Baccalaureate degree from accredited institution
Application Checklist
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Writing Sample
  • Official Transcripts
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

GRE scores are highly recommended but not strictly required for Applied Linguistics.