Graduate Student Profile
Introducing: Fredy Romero
Advisors: Dr. Kathleen Delate and Dr. David Hannapel
Degree Seeking: PhD in Plant Physiology and Horticulture
Current Research As part of the Iowa Botanical Supplements Research Center I am working with the production of two medicinal plants, Echinacea and Hypericum. My research is focused in the development of hairy root cultures of Echinacea species using Agrobacterium rhizogenes to increase biomass and increase the production of bioactive secondary metabolites like alkamides. I also work with the field production of three species of Echinacea evaluating the effect of production systems and seed sources.
Hometown: Joyabaj, Quiche (Northwest of Guatemala city), Guatemala
Extra Curricular Activities:
- Graduate and Professional Student Senator (Horticulture)
- Co-President of the Graduate Student Plant Physiology Society
- Member of the Gamma Sigma Delta
Hobbies: Play soccer, watch movies, read stories to my daughter, and travel.
Favorite Movie: The Notebook
Career Goals: My goal is to finish my PhD in December 2006 and go back to my Country. I will be working for a private company as a scientific advisor of the Department of Research and Development. This company produces flower seeds and cuttings. In the future I want to open a research company/institute in my country.
