Alumni Spotlight

Name: Paula Silva

Current Title: Associate Researcher

Organization: National Institute of Agricultural Research of Uruguay

Majors: Ph.D. Plant Pathology (2021)

K-State College of Ag is proud to recognize alumni from all departments who continue to pursue their passion in their respective fields. It is through experience that we continue to grow as individuals and stewards of the industry. Through those experiences, we hope to be a continued resource for the next generation of K-State students to lean on for advice and continue to build our network!

What makes K-State’s plant pathology department stand out?

I remember being amazed at the plant pathology department. My master’s and undergraduate degrees were related topics, so I read a lot of materials from a few select researchers. Those researchers were at K-State. I remember walking in the hallway with them, eating lunch or having conversations, and I couldn’t believe it. K-State’s plant pathology is very unique in that way. Specifically, the interdepartmental genetics program was very diverse and open to taking classes from different departments as well. I was taking computer science classes, but also doing biology classes through agronomy.

How did you adjust to K-State while being an international student?

It was hard in the beginning. My English was not very good, and it was a little difficult to adjust to the culture and things you aren’t used to. Then, when you do start to adjust, you learn how to differentiate things that you like and want to do. The lab I worked in during my PhD was made up of international students, and the experience was incredibly helpful for me. I was the only South American, but we had people from many different countries, and that was great because there was not one culture set up in the group, but multiple. The department was also very diverse; there were a lot of Brazilian students that I connected with immediately because of the culture.

How have internships impacted your career?

I’ve had the chance to complete several internships in Mexico, China, Australia, India and Zambia throughout my education. They not only shaped my professional career, but my personal life, too. You learn from many different cultures and from people who are not the same as you. Professionally, I’m still working with people from these internships, but I’m still connected with a lot of good friends. I think internships are a must for any student, and if you have the opportunity, you need to do it.

What role did the College of Agriculture play in your life?

I arrived in Manhattan in July 2016. In October 2016, there was a fire in the apartment complex where I was living, and I lost everything. It was my first semester at K-State, and I was a full-time student, and it was really hard. One day everything was okay; the next day, I didn’t have clothes, a passport or a computer. I received so much help from the College of Ag, and not just in scholarships. They helped me search for new apartments and pay for them at the beginning. They understood exactly where I was; they knew I had no family here and no money. They really were like parents to me at some points.