Tatiana Cáceres Represents Colombian Scientific Talent at UCF
Tatiana Marcela Cáceres Bernal, a researcher and biologist from Bucaramanga and a fellow in the Class of 2026 of the Fulbright Visiting Student Researcher Program, successfully completed her participation in the Fulbright Pre-Academic Program at the University of Central Florida (UCF) prior to beginning her doctoral studies in the United States.
Tatiana, who is pursuing her Ph.D. at the Universidad del Rosario, will conduct her research at the University of South Florida (USF) on a project titled “High-Resolution Genome Assembly and Population Genomics of Rhodnius prolixus: A Genomics-Driven Approach to Strengthen Chagas Disease Control,” a high-impact genomic study aimed at strengthening strategies for controlling Chagas disease.
During her intensive training at UCF, which focused on honing her oral and written communication skills for the U.S. academic environment, the researcher highlighted the overall value of this prior experience:
“It was an experience that broadened our perspective on the country that was now hosting us and helped us appreciate its cultural richness even more. It allowed us to go beyond the academic aspects and get a closer look at the history, culture, and perspectives of its people,” said Cáceres.
In addition to the academic components, the program allowed her to build a global network of collaborators with participants from 19 countries. “It was invaluable. I would tell future scholarship recipients that the pre-academic program is much more than just preparation for graduate school: it’s a transformative experience that provides tools, confidence, and a supportive community to help you begin this new chapter,” she noted.
Opportunity for researchers in Colombia!
Our call for applications for the Fulbright Visiting Student Researcher (VSR) Fellowship is now officially open. This program is intended for Colombian students who are pursuing their doctoral degrees in Colombia and wish to conduct a research stay at a university in the United States.
Those interested in joining the next cohort can review the terms of reference, eligibility requirements, and application timeline at https://bit.ly/ConvocatoriaVSR2026