Wow, it’s been about 2 years since I last posted and realized that just now, when checking out the website. These past two years have been super busy. In fall 2017 I found out I was pregnant and due in June, so that definitely ignited a fire in me to finish my dissertation before our baby girl was due. I wrote and wrote, analyzed data, mentored an undergaduate student, worked part-time with the College of Ag. and Life Sciences International Programs (CALS IP) office and finally defended in May 2018 – hurray! It was stressful, but I’m so glad I did that, because once our baby girl was born, my brain just ceased to function due to sleep depravation haha.

I got to spend a few lovely months with her, staying at home, and then went back to the university to work on a PostDoc with my PhD advisor Dr. Jaime Collazo. I can’t say enough good things about him! I was able to bring my daughter to work with me, and also work from home when needed, which really helped me feel better about getting back to work. Throughout that time I also worked with the CALS IP office, and was offered a position as the CREdO Coordinator for the office – a new position and a new program that I am meant to coordinate. Essentially, we are trying to implement the same land-grant institution model (connecting research education and outreach, get it, CREdO?) in other countries. We’re starting with Peru, which is wonderful because I’m half Peruvian and have been wanting to find a way to work with/in the country.

I officially started on January 2nd. Things are moving along and I’m looking forward to watching this program grow! 🙂