As a biologist graduated from the University of Caldas in Colombia, my passion for insects has been a driving force since the inception of my career. Throughout my undergraduate studies, I actively participated in a myriad of projects spanning agricultural entomology, forensic entomology, insect taxonomy, aquatic macroinvertebrates, and the utilization of necrophagous insects in museum settings for bone material cleaning. As part of my degree requirements, I conducted an extensive analysis of borer diversity in cocoa crops.
Upon completion of my undergraduate studies, I seized the opportunity to further my academic pursuits by enrolling in the entomology graduate program at the Federal University of Viçosa in Brazil. Under the esteemed guidance of Professor Eugênio Oliveira, from the Brazilian Invertebrate Neurobiology and Physiology Laboratory – Brain&Phy, I embarked on my master’s degree journey. During this phase, my focus centered on agricultural entomology, particularly on pests affecting soybean crops, notably Euschistus heros. My research endeavors during this period included the exploration of novel molecules, both natural and synthetic, aimed at controlling this insect pest. Additionally, I ventured into the realm of biological control, with a specific emphasis on the egg parasitoid Telenomus podisi.
Currently, I am embarking on my doctoral studies with a steadfast commitment to further exploring sustainable pest control alternatives and contributing to the enhancement of integrated pest management strategies. My aspirations revolve around leveraging technological advancements and advancing our understanding of agricultural ecosystems to achieve these objectives.
Key Interests: Conservation of ecosystem services, evolution of insect interactions, integrated pest management, sustainable agriculture.
BraIN&Phy Lab 