
Carlos A. Montoya Florez
Carlos Florez is a Fulbright Ph.D. student in the Environmental Horticulture Department from Colombia. He is a microbiologist master's in Biology (Biotechnology) from the University of Antioquia, Colombia. Carlos is Interested in the application of omics and gene-editing technologies toward answering questions in crop improvement against biotic and abiotic stresses. He also finds it fascinating to study the cascade of information between genes and plant-specialized metabolites looking for diverse applications in agriculture, industry, and health. His long-term goal is to work in the bioprospection of genes in plants and microorganisms to improve human lives. In his spare time, he likes hiking, biking, and taking pictures.

Divya Rana
Divya is a PhD student in the Environmental Horticulture Department. Her current research focuses on exploring the responses to increased temperatures during gametogenesis in maize and rice.
In her free time, she likes to enjoy gardening and painting.