College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Department of Forestry

Dr. Ingrid Aguayo Fuentealba is a forest engineer born and raised in Concepcion, Chile. After obtaining her Master's in Forest Science from Universidad de Concepcion, she pursued a Ph.D. in Forestry at the University of Toronto in Canada, including research at the Canadian Forest Service in Sault Ste. Marie Ontario. She has worked at several universities, including Colorado State University, Grand Valley State University, and Michigan State University.

 

Ingrid's forest entomology expertise focuses on insects' behavior and chemical ecology. Her research has centered on learning about the behavior of different species through insect olfaction to find ways to interrupt their behavior and lessen the feeding and damage of insects on host trees. Ingrid's work led her to the Colorado State Forest Service. One of her highlights was testifying before the Committee on Natural Resources, U.S. House of Representatives in Washington D.C. Her testimony resulted in additional resources for educational and economic programs for Colorado.

 

Despite her shift from insects and forests to community work and humans, Dr. Aguayo Fuentealba's dedication to her profession remains unwavering. She has actively volunteered with non-profit environmental organizations, demonstrating her commitment to making a difference. She moved from Colorado to Michigan 15 years ago. She had the opportunity to work directly with the Hispanic community in Grand Rapids. Leveraging her skills in mathematics and biology, she has been instrumental in helping young and adult students obtain their GED, recognizing the crucial need for education at every level in the community.

 

Ingrid managed a federal grant of $2.5M, the High school Equivalency Program at Migrant Student Services, Michigan State University, serving migrant and seasonal farmworkers through the preparation of GED topics and guiding them to the next education pathway they may want to pursue after graduating with their GED and guiding them toward upward mobility and further education. 

 

Ingrid recently joined the Department of Forestry. She is excited to continue being involved in education, specifically forestry. "I'm excited to reconnect with the field and especially guide the new generation of foresters, seeing them grow in their educational journey at MSU and beyond."