Student Spotlight: Natalia Pineros-Guerrero
April 30, 2026
Natalia Pineros-Guerrero is a doctoral candidate in plant pathology and plant-microbe biology from Villavicencio, Colombia. She earned her B.S. in agronomy from Universidad Nacional de Colombia and M.Sc. in botany and plant pathology from Purdue University and now studies the genetic information of fungal pathogens under the guidance of Sarah J. Pethybridge at Cornell.
What is your area of research and why is it important?
I study different aspects of plant pathogens, microorganisms that can cause diseases in agronomically important crops, including their life cycle, biology, and interactions with their host plants and the environment. I am particularly interested in fungal pathogens and their genetic information at the individual and population level. By understanding pathogen dynamics, we can design more effective management strategies to control disease and reduce crop losses.
What are the larger implications of this research?
Plant diseases can significantly impact crop production around the world, causing major economic losses for growers and threatening food security. Understanding different aspects of the pathogens that cause these diseases is critical for designing more sustainable management strategies that effectively control them and protect food production. For example, by understanding how and where a pathogen survives during winter, we can design strategies that interrupt its survival and delay or prevent disease in the following season.
What does it mean to you to be a Bouchet Scholar?
To me, being a Bouchet Scholar represents a recognition of the work I have built over the past seven years, grounded in my core values of leadership, scientific rigor, and service. It reflects my commitment to creating inclusive spaces where my mentees and colleagues feel welcome, supported, and valued. It also highlights my career goals of developing innovative and practical solutions in agriculture while emphasizing the broader social impact of science. Most importantly, it is an opportunity to connect with a community of inspiring scholars and to learn, collaborate, and grow as we work together to make a meaningful and positive impact through our work.
How do you exemplify the five pillars of the Bouchet Society—character, leadership, advocacy, scholarship, and service?
My professional and personal journey reflects the pillars of character, leadership, advocacy, scholarship, and service. My experiences facing gender barriers in agriculture during my undergraduate studies shaped my resilience and character.
My advocacy began through national and international programs, where I promoted inclusion and supported diverse communities using my English-Spanish bilingual skills.
Service is central to my work, as I translate research into accessible tools for growers and encourage young and underrepresented students to engage in STEM and service-oriented scholarship opportunities.
Leadership is reflected in my multiple roles at Cornell within the Plant Pathology Graduate Student Association (PPPMB-GSA) and the Student Association of the Geneva Experiment Station (SAGES), where I fostered community and belonging.
As a scholar, I am committed to excellence, having earned multiple awards and contributed publications, scientific presentations, and outreach efforts that advance science while extending its impact beyond academia.
What are your hobbies or interests outside of your research or scholarship?
I really enjoy participating in community development events that involve Spanish-speaking communities, as it makes me feel close to home. I also enjoy spending time with my cat, Mizu, at home while we work on puzzles or oil painting. I enjoy playing video games with my friends, especially during the winter. In outdoor settings, I love hiking waterfall trails and taking long walks by the beautiful Seneca Lake.
Why did you choose Cornell to pursue your degree?
Cornell has one of the top agricultural programs in the world, and its plant pathology and plant-microbe biology section has some of the best experts in my field of interest. Coming to Cornell to pursue my Ph.D. has been an honor. It has allowed me to meet new people, experience different cultures, and expand my perspective and knowledge, making me feel that ‘the sky is the limit’ and far exceeding all my expectations.