Short Bio
I’m originally from Chicago, Illinois. I earned my bachelor’s degree in plant biotechnology with a minor in Sustainability, Energy, and Environment from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
At the University of Puerto Rico–Río Piedras, I’m currently conducting research on Hemileia vastatrix, the fungal pathogen responsible for Coffee Leaf Rust (CLR), the most devastating disease affecting coffee production worldwide. My project investigates whether the CLR population in Puerto Rico exhibits genetic diversity—an essential step toward breeding rust-resistant coffee varieties and protecting the island’s agroecological heritage.
A fun fact or hobby: Outside of research, I enjoy hiking and playing water polo and soccer. After completing the RaMP-UP program, I plan to pursue a Ph.D. in plant pathology or in plant genetics and genomics.
Research
Mentor:
Paul Bayman, PhD
Co-mentor:
Josué Santiago-Pérez
Project Title:
Does the coffee leaf rust fungus in Puerto Rico exhibit genetic diversity?
Project Description:
This project explores the genetic diversity of Hemileia vastatrix (Coffee Leaf Rust) populations in Puerto Rico. CLR is a significant threat to coffee production, impacting both the local economy and cultural traditions tied to the crop. By analyzing the pathogen’s genetic variation, this research aims to inform breeding strategies for rust-resistant coffee varieties. Puerto Rico’s unique germplasm—shaped by geographic isolation and historical selection—may harbor valuable, understudied resistance traits.