The Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture is pleased to welcome six new graduate students this fall. Representing a range of backgrounds and research interests, these students will contribute to HLA’s strengths in horticultural production, controlled environment agriculture, economics and marketing, and sustainable systems.
Celeste Ortez, from Nicaragua, earned her undergraduate degree from Zamorano University in Honduras and will pursue a master’s degree under the direction of Dr. Ariana Torres. Her research focuses on horticultural economics and marketing, including consumer and producer decision-making, technology adoption, and the financial performance of specialty crop production systems. Outside of research, she enjoys painting, traveling, and exploring new places.
Antoine Nieuwenhuyse, from Costa Rica, earned a bachelor’s degree in Agronomic Engineering from the Costa Rican Institute of Technology and will pursue a Master of Science degree with Dr. Celina Gómez. His research examines how LED lighting strategies can be used to manage ornamental plant growth and reduce reliance on chemical plant growth regulators while maintaining crop quality. Prior to Purdue, he gained greenhouse production experience in the Dominican Republic and Ohio. In his free time, he enjoys outdoor activities, sports, traveling, and helping on his family’s cattle farm.
Also joining HLA this year are Alen Lizarazo (L.S.D.S. M.S.), advised by Dr. Dave Barbarash; Peng Li (Ph.D.), advised by Dr. Lori Hoagland; Maria Fernanda Moreno (M.S.), advised by Dr. Celina Gómez; and Isaac Damer (M.S.), advised by Dr. Celina Gómez.
We are excited to welcome these students to Purdue and look forward to the research, scholarship, and engagement they will bring to the HLA community.