Andrieli Lima da Silva was a visiting PhD candidate from São Paulo State University for the period of 9 months. She is a plant anatomist specializing in the comparative anatomy of water (xylem) and photoassimilate-conducting tissues (phloem), focusing on how water deficit affects the cellular characteristics of both of them. Her research also delved into secondary growth and cell differentiation in Cordia L. species adapted to Brazil's and Mexico's semi-arid regions, aiming to uncover the mechanisms of drought resistance and resilience in these plants under stress conditions. She defended in August 2026.