Celeste Bueso (Class of 2025, Honduras) never imagined that her passion for insects would lead her to travel to another country, immerse herself in laboratories full of microscopic life, and challenge herself in a completely new environment. As a third-year student at EARTH University, in 2024 she had the opportunity to complete her Internship course at São Paulo State University (UNESP) in Brazil, where each day brought new challenges, allowing her to deepen her knowledge in areas of interest such as taxonomy and biological pest control. What started as an academic experience soon became a journey of personal and professional growth.
In Brazil, Celeste dedicated herself to studying parasitoids from the Hymenoptera family, analyzing their efficiency at different temperatures. Her research, beyond its scientific value, is also highly relevant to agriculture, as these tiny natural allies play a key role in pest management without the need for harmful chemicals. This type of analysis helps to understand the impact of climate change on parasitoids. Through her Internship, she also contributed to research on corn crop pests and helped develop a visual database to assist farmers in identifying crop damage, facilitating decision-making in the field.
But her experience in Brazil involved much more than laboratory work. From day one, she faced challenges that tested her independence and adaptability. She learned to manage her finances wisely, navigate a country with a different culture and language, and rely on the kindness of those around her to find her way in a new environment.
“During the Internship, I realized that even when it’s challenging, teamwork is essential. It’s also crucial to know how to carry out a project, from planning to writing articles, because at some point, we will likely have to do that. Learning by doing makes a difference, and that is something I will take with me for the future,” says Celeste.
The months she spent at UNESP strengthened her skills and provided her with valuable connections for her future. Brazil left her with further insects to study, experiences that shaped her journey, and the certainty that her passion for entomology has a real impact on the world. Her Internship not only allowed her to conduct research but also transformed her, reaffirming her purpose in science and her desire to continue exploring, learning, and contributing to agricultural and environmental knowledge.