She received her MS in Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology from the University of Crete and her PhD in Agricultural Sciences from University of Thessaly. Dr. Pliakoni did her postdoctoral research in the Department of Horticultural Sciences in University of Florida. Her research is focused on postharvest handling of local food production. She is studying different ways of extending the shelf life of locally grown produce based on changes in sensorial and nutritional quality factors.