I obtained my undergraduate degree in Agronomy at the National University of Colombia, and then continued my studies with a master’s degree in weed science at the Federal University of Pelotas, Brazil. Currently, I am in my third year of my Ph.D. at the Department of Crop Soil and Environmental Sciences at the University of Arkansas, USA. My interest in the field of agronomy started as a child, having as a role model my father who encouraged me to love agriculture while working in his small farm in the Andes.
Since 2017 I have been conducting experimental research on weeds, as part of my final research project at the undergraduate level, then in the master’s research project and now in my PhD. A theme that is a common denominator in the work I have done during my career is herbicide physiology and interestingly all the projects have been related to rice cultivation. For example, in Colombia I worked evaluating resistance of rice weeds collected from the main rice producing areas. In Brazil I worked evaluating herbicide selectivity in rice. Today I am evaluating the evolution of resistance of one of the most problematic weeds of rice in Arkanasas, Echinochloa colona. However, other studies and experiences have allowed me to work evaluating a diversity of weed related factors in other crops such as; beans, squash, sweet potato, watermelon, soybean and cotton. Additionally, in 2021 I was fortunate to be part of CIAT and FLAR as a visiting researcher for 6 months.
