About
Marcos Ribeiro-Jr. is a computational biologist with expertise in molecular diagnostics and pathogen detection using Next-generation sequencing technologies (Nanopore/Illumina).
He develops innovative tools that integrate diagnostics, bioinformatics, and sequencing technologies to detect agricultural, human, and zoonotic pathogens.
Marcos Ribeiro-Junior received his Ph.D. in Agronomy (Plant Protection/Virology) from São Paulo State University (UNESP) in 2022, with a collaborative research period at Oklahoma State University (OSU) under the supervision of Dr. Krause-Sakate and Dr. Ochoa-Corona. During his doctoral studies, he conducted research on molecular plant virology and bioinformatics, focusing on pathogen detection using HTS. Prior to that, he obtained his M.S. in Agronomy from UNESP in 2018 and his B.Sc. in Agronomy from the University of Marília (UNIMAR) in 2016.
News
New Publication Alert: Our latest study, "Development and validation of a suite of e-probes for EDNA to detect 20 graft-transmissible pathogens of citrus using MiFi® and blind ring testing among novice users", has just been published in PhytoFrontiers™. This collaborative work showcases how MiFi® can support diagnostics even in the hands of first-time users. Read it here.
New Publication Alert: Another exciting paper, "An attempt toward the global screening of soybean viruses using EDNA-MiFi®-based electronic probes", is now available in PhytoFrontiers™. This study demonstrates the use of EDNA-MiFi® to detect a wide range of soybean viruses across continents. Read it here..
Current Projects
NIH SBIR-funded CDC MiFi® Respiratory Diagnostics
Developing a scalable, high-resolution pathogen detection system for respiratory diseases (e.g., measles, mumps, RSV) using e-probe technology and MiFi® diagnostics. The project focuses on genome-based molecular assays for rapid and precise detection, with validation using clinical test panels. This initiative aims to enhance public health surveillance and early disease response.
Canopy MiFi® Tick-Borne Diagnostics
Advancing diagnostic tools for tick-borne pathogens (*Cytauxzoon felis*, *Ehrlichia chaffeensis*) via MiFi® technology. Using high-throughput sequencing and e-probes, the project enhances early pathogen detection. Key goals include developing internal controls, refining detection thresholds, and validating MiFi® diagnostics in real-world applications.
Publications For full list, see Google Scholar
For a complete and up-to-date list of publications, please visit my Google Scholar profile.
Experiences
Oklahoma State University (OSU), Stillwater, OK, USA
Postdoctoral Researcher | Computational Biologist | October 2024 – Present
- Conducting research through the Institute for Biosecurity and Microbial Forensics (IBMF) and the Department of Entomology & Plant Pathology, funded via Microbe Finder (MiFi®), LLC — a precision diagnostics startup operating under the Oklahoma State University (OSU) umbrella through Cowboy Technologies, part of OSU’s Cowboy Enterprises initiative.
- Developing and validating diagnostic e-probes for high-throughput sequencing (HTS) pipelines targeting plant, zoonotic, and human pathogens.
- Leading bioinformatics efforts for environmental surveillance projects supported by NIH SBIR funding, contributing to the MiFi® platform for rapid diagnostics.
São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Plant Protection | 2023 – 2024
- Molecular characterization of orthotospoviruses infecting soybean and thrips insects.
- DNA/RNA extraction and library preparation for Illumina sequencing.
- Mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in molecular diagnostics.
University of California Riverside (UCR) & Oklahoma State University (OSU), Remote
Consultant, PFI MiFi for Citrus Project | 2023 – 2024
- Designed and validated e-probes for pathogen detection in Citrus.
- Conducted beta testing and data analysis using MiFi.tech diagnostic systems.
- Prepared reports and technical documents for project supervisors.
Oklahoma State University (OSU), Stillwater, OK, USA
Postdoctoral Fellow, Institute for Biosecurity and Microbial Forensics (IBMF) | 2022
- Developed e-probes for pathogen detection in citrus using high-throughput sequencing (HTS).
- Conducted HTS data analysis for virus, viroid, and bacteria identification.
- Published findings in peer-reviewed journals and technical reports.
Oklahoma State University (OSU), Stillwater, OK, USA
Ph.D. Internship, Institute for Biosecurity and Microbial Forensics (IBMF) | 2021
- Conducted NGS library preparation and sequencing (Nanopore Platform).
- Created and curated e-probes to detect global viruses in soybean.
- Investigated virus identification in crops, developing diagnostic protocols.
São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
Graduate Research Assistant (Ph.D.), Plant Virology and Plant-Virus-Vector Interaction Laboratory | 2018 – 2022
- Conducted molecular identification of thrips and whitefly species using PCR and Sanger sequencing.
- Developed molecular markers for the detection of thrips.
- Performed surveys of plant viruses and insect vectors in soybean fields.
São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
Graduate Research Assistant (M.S.), Plant Virology and Plant-Virus-Vector Interaction Laboratory | 2016 – 2018
- Conducted biological, serological, and molecular identification of plant viruses.
- Engaged in farmer outreach programs for disease diagnostics and management.
- Established virus detection methods in leafy greens such as lettuce and chard.
São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
Temporary Lecturer (Crop Diseases and Phytopathology) | 2016 – 2018
- Delivered lectures and practical training sessions on crop disease management.
- Supervised student projects and facilitated laboratory exercises.