Lourena Maxwell

Scientist-Plant Pathologist

Dr. Lourena Arone Maxwell is a Scientist – Plant Pathologist at the World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg), leading research on sustainable crop protection and integrated plant health management for major vegetable systems. Her expertise includes disease dynamics, molecular diagnostics, and integrated pest management (IPM). As Co-Lead of the Food Safety and Loss Reduction Action Area, she advances efforts to reduce vegetable crop losses and improve safety.

She holds a Bachelor’s in Agricultural Engineering from Eduardo Mondlane University (Mozambique) and a Master’s and a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from the University of Arizona. Her One Health–oriented research improved biocontrol strategies to limit aflatoxin contamination in staple crops, reducing risks to animal and human health and strengthening trade.

With over 15 years of international experience across Africa, Asia, and Latin America & the Caribbean, Dr. Maxwell works to translate science into impact. She collaborates closely with farmers, governments, and industry to advance climate-resilient vegetable production and has trained students, extension officers, and scientists globally. She is an active member of scientific societies, contributing to advances in plant pathology, and is a native Portuguese speaker with basic proficiency in Chinese.