College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Department of Horticulture

Publications on Google Scholar

Dr. Simone Valle de Souza is an assistant professor in the MSU Department of Horticulture. With expertise in horticulture economics applied to controlled environment agriculture (CEA), Dr. Valle de Souza's research focuses on the economic viability and sustainability of CEA systems, specifically exploring profitability, cost-effectiveness of technologies, and the economic benefits of sustainable agriculture, with a particular emphasis on the cultivation of leafy greens and herbs. In addition, Dr. Valle de Souza possesses expertise in marketing and consumer behavior analysis. Her research delves into market segmentation and consumer attitudes towards produce attributes, providing valuable insights into consumer preferences. Dr. Valle de Souza earned a Masters in Economic Studies and a PhD in Resource Economics from the University of New England (UNE) in Australia. She also holds an MBA in Finance and Accounting and a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the Federal University of Parana in Brazil.

Research and Outreach Interests

• Bioeconomic Modeling and Parameter Optimization
• Horticulture Marketing
• Public Policy Analysis
• Local Government Research