Â鶹ÊÓƵ

Geography doctoral student in the

Tell us a little about yourself, including what inspires you to learn and continue in your chosen field

I’m a Colombian agronomic engineer and currently a PhD student in Geography at Â鶹ÊÓƵ. My background in agricultural research has inspired me to explore how science and technology can help us better understand plants and their responses to the environment. What motivates me most is my curiosity about how nature works and the opportunity to turn scientific knowledge into practical solutions for agriculture. I believe research is a continuous learning process, and I’m excited to keep growing as a scientist while contributing to more sustainable agriculture.

Why did you choose to come to SFU?

I chose Â鶹ÊÓƵ because of its strong research environment, interdisciplinary approach, and opportunities to combine my background in agricultural science with new technologies such as remote sensing. I was particularly excited about the opportunity to work with researchers who share my interests and to connect academic research with practical agricultural challenges through collaboration with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. I believe Â鶹ÊÓƵis a great place to challenge myself, develop new skills, and grow both personally and professionally while contributing to more sustainable agriculture.

How would you describe your research or your program to a family member?

My research focuses on understanding how blueberry plants respond to changes in their environment, especially how these changes affect flower development and dormancy. I'm developing a system that combines drones, cameras, and plant measurements to monitor these processes more efficiently. In simple terms, I want to use technology to better understand how blueberry plants grow and respond to their surroundings, with the goal of helping improve agricultural practices and make them more sustainable.

What three (3) keywords would you use to describe your research?

High-Throughput Phenotyping, UAV-Based Remote Sensing, Blueberry Physiology and Dormancy

How have your courses, RA-ships, TA-ships, or non-academic school experiences contributed to your academic and/or professional development?

My courses at Â鶹ÊÓƵare expanding my knowledge of remote sensing, while my research assistantship with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada allows me to apply new technologies to real agricultural challenges. My teaching assistantship is helping me strengthen my communication and organizational skills. Together, these experiences are helping me grow as a researcher and adapt to a new academic environment.

Have you been the recipient of any major or donor-funded awards? If so, please tell us which ones and a little about how the awards have impacted your studies and/or research

I have received academic fellowships from Universidad de los Andes and Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia (UPTC), as well as funding from Wageningen University & Research for specialized training. These opportunities supported my academic development, expanded my research skills, and encouraged me to continue pursuing advanced studies. They have played an important role in my journey toward doctoral research at SFU.

What have been the most valuable lessons you've learned along your graduate student journey (or in becoming a graduate student)?

One of the most valuable lessons I've learned is the importance of staying curious, being open to new perspectives, and stepping outside my comfort zone. Moving to a new country and adapting to a different academic environment have taught me to be more flexible, independent, and resilient. I've also learned that research is not just about finding answers, but about asking better questions, embracing challenges, and continuously learning from others.

How do you approach networking and building connections in and outside of your academic community?

I believe building connections starts with being open, curious, and willing to learn from others. I enjoy exchanging ideas, collaborating with people from different backgrounds, and participating in research activities. As an international student, I also see networking as an opportunity to share my experiences, learn from different perspectives, and build meaningful relationships both within and beyond academia.

What are some tips for balancing your academic and personal life?

I think the key is to stay organized, set realistic priorities, and make time for yourself and the people you care about. Graduate studies can be demanding, so I try to remember that taking breaks, enjoying life outside academia, and being flexible are just as important as working hard. Finding a balance is an ongoing learning process, and I believe it helps us stay motivated and enjoy the journey.

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Contact Alexandra:eef1@sfu.ca