Graduated from the University of Costa Rica. Agricultural Engineer (Bachelor's), Biologist (Bachelor's), North Carolina State University, USA, Master's and Doctorate in Plant Pathology
Minister of Agriculture and Livestock from 2014 to 2018, Professor and researcher at the University of Costa Rica from 1981 to 2014 and from 2014 to date. Professor at the Technological Institute of Costa Rica, 1980-1981. Administrative Positions: Director of the School of Agronomy UCR 1997-2005, Director of the Institute of Agricultural Research UCR 2005-2009, Dean of the Faculty of Agrifood Sciences UCR 2009 to 2014 and 2018 to date. Remote sensors and early warning systems in vegetables.
His main lines of research are: Epidemiology and management of field and postharvest diseases of tropical and subtropical fruit trees such as mango, papaya, avocado, citrus, soursop and others. Disease warning systems in coffee, apple and melon.
At the international level, he has participated as International Coordinator of the Ibero-American Network for Postharvest Technology of Fruits and Vegetables, the Ibero-American Program of Science and Technology for Development. 1991-1995, Visiting Scholar North Carolina State University 2008-2009
Publications: One book, 43 scientific articles, 42 conference abstracts (not extensively published).