Iliana Castillo-Machuca

Pursuing a PhD in Plant Pathology, Physiology, and Weed Science at the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences at Virginia Tech

Woman with tan shin and long red hair wearing a blue button-up shirt.

“Coming from a family with a deep connection to plants, my love for science stems from a profound bond with the natural world... I explore the mysteries of plant biology, unravel their interactions with pathogens, and contribute to sustainable agriculture.”

Iliana’s academic journey has allowed her to deepen her understanding of the intricate relationship between plants and the pathogens that affect them. Through her rigorous studies, she has gained invaluable insights into the mechanisms underlying plant diseases, their physiological responses, and effective weed management strategies. Driven by her passion for this field, Iliana is committed to pushing the boundaries of knowledge to develop novel approaches for safeguarding plants from harmful pathogens. Her interdisciplinary research combines her love for plants and pathogens, aiming to uncover innovative ways to protect crops while targeting pathogens through alternative and sustainable methods.

Iliana holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Iowa State University and is a dedicated PhD student specializing in Plant Pathology, Physiology, and Weed Science at the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences at VT.