Food Valley Ambassador from Peru

Education and work experience:
• Plant Biotechnology - Functional Genomics, Wageningen UR
• BSc in in Biology, Agricultural University 'La Molina'
• Internship at International Potato Center (CIP)- Lima, Peru

Knowledge of languages:
Spanish(mother tongue) and English

About Peru
Peru is an extremely diverse country that has been experiencing tremendous growth in its agricultural activities, becoming one of the main exporters of crops such as asparagus and many others.

Personal note:
In my home country Peru, I did a bachelor's in Biology with an emphasis on Biotechnology at the Agricultural University ‘La Molina’. I decided to continue my studies abroad because I knew that would provide me with specific opportunities. It affords you the opportunity not only to attain academic knowledge, but also to learn form the different cultures of the people you meet. This is especially true of such an international environment as Wageningen. Additionally, Wageningen is well known in the area of my study, so it was a great choice. I chose to do the master's program in Plant Biotechnology and to specialize in Functional Genomics. This is a relatively new specialization and I felt it would teach me the newest techniques and research advances in plant molecular biology.

I chose to participate in the FVA program because I liked the idea of participating in a longer term project at a good company. This gives you the opportunity to learn more: not only to learn specific tasks, but also to see a project taking shape. I also think it is a great opportunity for someone who is just starting out in a professional career to get in touch with companies in the field, and to have an opportunity for networking.

I have great expectations for this internship. I think I will learn how research outside academia works. I believe I will gain research experience and how to put my knowledge to use in a business environment. And most importantly, I expect to meet people.