Research Assistant Intern

Valentina started with the Commission in September 2025. Her responsibilities include determining apple harvest maturity, applying proper techniques for fruit picking and storage, conducting fruit maturity and quality analysis, assisting in crop load management experiments by setting up, monitoring and collecting data.

Valentina was born and raised in Bogotá, the capital of Colombia. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering from the National University of Colombia (Graduated October 2023). Valentina participated in research groups on rural development, agrifood systems, and plant physiology and stress.

Valentina has worked in several aspects of agriculture. She was a Research Assistant in the project Genetic Improvement of Tetraploid Potatoes as a Sustainability Strategy for the Production System in Colombia. She worked on planting and maintenance of potato genotypes, collected physiological data under water deficit, organized databases, and prepared reports. Valentina interned in floriculture in the Bogotá Savanna (transition from roses to chrysanthemums). She had professional training at Growers Hub Trading (GHT), one of Colombia’s leading flower exporters. The training inlcuded irrigation and nutrition trials, soil and water quality monitoring, introduction of new rose varieties, and irrigation system management. Valentina worked at Regulatory Affairs Assistant at H&R Inversiones Agroambientales. She planned and monitored field trials, prepared reports on pesticide behavior, applied Pre-Harvest Intervals (PHI), managed product registrations with regulatory authorities, and determined Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) for crops.

Valentina is the youngest of three sisters. She is close with her parents, Luis and Yolanda, her nephews Juan Diego and Jacobo who are her true motivation in life. She also has a beloved family puppy named Yoshi. Valentina enjoys nature hiking, playing and watching soccer, dancing, listening to music, going to concerts, practicing meditation, spending time outdoors and baking for family and friends.