Analía Perelló Fraire

I am a highly organized person with a passion for science and teaching. I am confident in my effectiveness as a teacher, thanks to my multi-disciplined knowledge, enthusiasm, and excellent communication skills. I enjoy teaching because it gives me an invaluable opportunity to connect with young students and share my passion for applied Mycology and Plant Pathology.

I am currently in charge of the Plant Pathology undergraduate course at the Faculty of Agronomy of the National University of La Plata (FCAyF, UNLP). I am also in charge of an optional course about Cereal Fungal Diseases, since 2010. During I was in charge of the Magister Scientiae in Vegetal Protection, also at the FCAyF - UNLP. Currently, I am an advisor for the Magister Career as part of the Academic staff, with three courses at postgraduate level under my responsibility. These include:
- Introductory course of Principles of Plant pathology,
- BioEcology of Phytopathogens
- Integrated Management of Plant Diseases.
There is also other optional postgraduate course under my responsibility, named Biological Control.
My goal in teaching is to foster the acquisition of a base of concepts and learning skills to facilitate further learning and thinking. In my courses, I guide students in the evaluation of evidence, critical thinking, argument development, verbal and written expression, and the application of general principles to novel settings. These competencies will equip students for a broad range of demands in future academic and occupational settings.
I encourage students to work together on homework and include creative collaborations in the classroom, such as group oral presentations of primary literature. These activities foster the ability to work in a team-oriented environment and aid in the understanding of concepts covered in the classroom and lab. Moreover, the incorporation of primary literature exemplifies that science is dynamic and constantly evolving.
Due to the fact that students learn differently, the best teacher is, in my opinion, the one who can adapt his or her method in a variety of ways. As a teacher who often uses spatial concepts to understand science, I incorporate many visual aids in the classroom and laboratory to help in explaining concepts such as host/pathogen interactions, or fungal dynamics. I also introduce and use the newest available technology in the classroom. Course assignments often require the students to use scientific databases and software found in the internet. I encourage the use of programs such as PowerPoint for oral presentations. This varied method approach allows individual students to experience effective learning and to come up with creative solutions.
Regarding the skills I want my students to develop, some of these may be directly related to my discipline (e.g., proper lab Mycology techniques). Others may be general skills (e.g., critical thinking skills). Lab research also provides the opportunity to develop skills associated with independent learning –such as reading state-of-the-art literature, evaluating data and concepts, synthesizing conclusions, and developing logical thinking habits.
In conclusion, I believe I am prepared and qualified to teach similar or equivalent introductory or advanced courses, as well as others courses related to plant pathology.
I would also like to highlight my experience mentoring undergraduates and postgraduates students, where I have been in charge of scholars from University and CONICET (Research National Council) undertaking doctoral studies and M Sc thesis, and I consider essential to continue this task.