Monclova-Santana joins AgriLife Extension as plant pathologist

LUBBOCK — Dr. Cecilia Monclova-Santana has been hired as a plant pathologist for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Lubbock. She will be working with peanuts and cotton, as well as other crops.

“We are pleased to have Dr. Monclova-Santana join our research and extension team at the Lubbock Center,” said Jaroy Moore, AgriLife Research and Extension Center resident director, Lubbock. “Her skill sets and expertise will be put to use immediately with our scientists working on FOV4, a cotton disease, that is now in the El Paso Valley, which we hope does not not reach the Southern High Plains or other areas in Texas.”

Monclova-Santana earned her doctorate from North Dakota University and her master’s degree in plant pathology from the University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez. Her fields of expertise include mycology, nematology and bacteriology, and the molecular and morphological characterization of fungi. 

“I wanted to work for AgriLife, not only because of its national reputation, but most importantly for the relevance of the work,” said Monclova-Santana. “I saw from the first minute that I visited for my job interview that this was the perfect place for me to grow professionally, and to make an impact on growers. I feel my work here will be valued and will even transcend the region.”

She said her goal in this position is to create a high-quality extension and research program. 

“Five years from now, I envision having a very strong extension and research program for peanuts and cotton, where growers feel heard and assisted. I see my team producing high quality data to be used by colleagues, county agents, growers and even farm workers,” she said.

“In addition, my team will serve any other crop that has the need for a plant pathologist. I would also love to strengthen what the program offers in Spanish, to be able to better serve the Hispanic population in agriculture.”