Manuel Rocha

Manuel Rocha

Forestry Researcher (PhD)

Independent consultant

Biography

Forestry researcher with an interest in quantitative genetics and bioclimatic modeling. With over a decade of experience, I have collaboratively worked with diverse and multicultural research teams, both locally and internationally. My primary objective is to uncover novel insights to improve the value of present and future forests.

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Interests
  • Quantitative genetics
  • Bioclimatic data modelling
  • Applied machine learning
Education

  • Ph.D. Forest Sciences, 2022

    University of Tasmania

  • B.Sc. Forest Sciences, 2012

    Universidad Austral de Chile

Skills

Forest Genetics
Machine Learning
Data Analytics

Experience

 
 
 
 
 
Arauco-Bioforest
External Researcher
Arauco-Bioforest
May 2023 – Present Concepcion, Chile

Forest genetics:

  • Genetic diversity
 
 
 
 
 
OneForest Analytics
Co-Founder - Data Scientist
OneForest Analytics
Jun 2022 – Apr 2023 Rancagua, Chile

Responsibilities include:

  • Data pipeline development
  • web-based system architect
  • R and Python developer (Shiny)
 
 
 
 
 
University of Tasmania
Doctoral researcher
University of Tasmania
Aug 2017 – May 2022 Hobart, Australia

Responsibilities include:

  • Bioclimatic modelling
  • Quantitative genetics
  • Machine learning pipelines
 
 
 
 
 
Universidad Austral de Chile
Research Fellow (Tree genetic improvement)
Universidad Austral de Chile
Mar 2012 – Mar 2017 Valdivia, Chile

Responsibilities include:

  • Genetic trial design
  • Analysis of genetic trials
  • Industry reports
 
 
 
 
 
Universidad Austral de Chile
Assistant Lecturer
Universidad Austral de Chile
Mar 2012 – Dec 2017 Valdivia, Chile

Responsibilities include:

  • Computational statistics (lab module)
  • Tree genetic improvement (field module)
  • Professional training on trial measurements

Accomplish­ments

euconference
1st Award Poster Presentation - Conference
euconference Feb 2019
Eucalypt genetics: fundamental and applied research in a post-genome era Conference - Hobart Tasmania, Australia
uqueensland
ASReml-R for Linear Mixed Model analysis of breeding data - University of Queensland, Australia
udec
International course in Forest Genetics and Biotechnology - UdeC
udec Mar 2012
Workshop in Forest Genetics and Biotechnology - Universidad de Concepcion, Chile

Projects

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All Machine Learning
OneForest Analytics
A web-based system for near-infrared calibration model development.
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OneForest Analytics

Gallery

1 david_sq.jpg
2 samples.jpg
3 kingston.jpg
4 arauco_fieldwork.jpeg
5 Resi Training session.jpg
6 gondwana_posteraward.jpeg

Featured Publications

Manuel Rocha, Mario Vega, Peter A. Harrison, Kelsey Joyce, Rene Vaillancourt, Brad M. Potts
October, 2022 New Forests, 1(1)
Using ensemble learning to model climate associated variation in wood properties of planted Eucalyptus nitens in north-western Tasmania
Using ensemble learning to model climate associated variation in wood properties of planted Eucalyptus nitens in north-western Tasmania

There is increasing interest in the phenotypic plasticity of tree species to variation in climate as it may affect the economic value of current and future plantations.
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Recent Publications

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Manuel Rocha, Mario Vega, Peter A. Harrison, Kelsey Joyce, Rene Vaillancourt, Brad M. Potts (2022). Using ensemble learning to model climate associated variation in wood properties of planted Eucalyptus nitens in north-western Tasmania. New Forests, 1(1).

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Vilius Gendvilas, Mark Neyland, Manuel Rocha, Geoffrey M. Downes, Mark Hunt, Andrew Jacobs, Dean Williams, Mario Vega, Julianne O’Reilly-Wapstra (2022). Effects of thinning on the longitudinal and radial variation in wood properties of Eucalyptus nitens. Forestry: An International Journal of Forest Research, 95(4).

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Manuel Rocha, Dean Williams, Mario Vega, Peter A. Harrison, Rene Vaillancourt, Brad M. Potts (2021). Genetic variation of microfibril angle and its relationship with solid wood and pulpwood traits in two progeny trials of Eucalyptus nitens in Tasmania. Holzforschung, 75(8).

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Manuel Rocha, Mario Vega, Vilius Gendvilas, Peter A. Harrison, Rene Vaillancourt, Brad M. Potts (2021). R-based image analysis to quantify checking and shrinkage from wood wedges. Eur. J. Wood Prod., 79(1269–1281).

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