2018 AFE Paul Ecke Jr. Scholarship recipient announced

Alexandria, Va. – The American Floral Endowment (AFE) has announced the recipient of the 2018 Paul Ecke, Jr. Scholarship.

Melissa Munoz, a Master of Science student at Clemson University, was awarded a $10,000 scholarship ($5,000 for two consecutive years). She will be continuing for her Ph.D. upon completion of her Masters degree.

"There were a record number of applications for the second year in a row, which shows the growing interest and need for these scholarships. The high quality of students is a testament to their exceptional determination and passion, and I am confident these future leaders will help the industry progress," says Greg Royer, AFE Chairman and Education Committee Chair.

Melissa graduated from the Universidad Nacional de Colombia sede Medellin in 2016 and is currently enrolled in the master’s program at Clemson.

Her research project focuses on the management of Botrytis in cut roses, a huge problem facing growers that costs the industry hundreds of thousands of dollars annually. She works directly with cut rose growers, visiting farms and evaluating incidence from commercial shipments to effects of cultural practices in the greenhouse.

Melissa Munoz, 2018 Paul Ecke Jr. Scholarship recipient

"I am so delighted and grateful to receive this prestigious scholarship. Having the industry’s interest and support is fundamental and the Paul Ecke Scholarship will help progress my research," Melissa says. “I am very excited to continue this research that I hope will make a difference and improve the conditions for the floral industry."

AFE is funding a Botrytis research project that is the focus of Melissa’s research program. She is working with Drs. Jim Faust and Guido Schnabel on this project, and she presented her preliminary research findings on behalf of the Endowment during the Proflora 2017 event in Colombia to a standing-room only audience of nearly 150. "She is doing really good research that will benefit the industry worldwide,” says Terril A. Nell, AFE's Research Coordinator. 

Beyond pursuing her Ph.D., her career goals include continuing and expanding her Botrytis research and eventually becoming a researcher, educator and scientist. Melissa says “The floriculture industry constantly faces complex challenges that require prompt and effective solutions, and I’m determined to keep working to develop these solutions."