Marcia David Palma

Marcia David-Palma holds a degree in Biochemistry, a Master’s in Applied Microbiology, and a PhD in Biology with a specialization in Molecular Genetics from the Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal. Her doctoral research provided key insights into the life cycle of the carotenoid-producing basidiomycete Phaffia rhodozyma.
Currently a Senior Research Associate at Duke University, Dr. David-Palma investigates the molecular characterization and evolutionary dynamics of reproductive systems in basidiomycete fungi, with a focus on species from the genera Cryptococcus, Kwoniella, and Malassezia. Her research also explores molecular pathways involved in the development of fungal pathogenicity in humans, as well as the ecological and evolutionary processes driving fungal biodiversity.