School of Health and Sciences Student Presents Research on Recao Health at Plant Health 2026

The conference was organized by the American Phytopathological Society and held in Providence, Rhode Island.

By Institutional Communication

Samuel Junior Arce Mercado, a Biomedical Sciences undergraduate student in the School of Health and Sciences (ESYC, per its Spanish acronym), represented Universidad del Sagrado Corazón at the annual Plant Health 2026 conference of the American Phytopathological Society, held in Providence, Rhode Island, where he presented his research on the health of recao in Puerto Rico.

The research, titled “Toward Sustainable Long Coriander (Eryngium foetidum) Production in Puerto Rico: Pathogen Diversity and Grower Survey Insights,” seeks to provide new information on the pathogens currently affecting the sustainable production of recao, an aromatic herb that is essential to Puerto Rican cuisine and a key ingredient in sofrito and other traditional dishes throughout the archipelago. According to the student researcher, the most recent literature on the subject was published around 2004.

To gather this information, Arce Mercado explains that the research included both an experimental and a qualitative component. During the experimental phase, the researchers identified findings consistent with the presence of a fungus known as Cercospora in diseased leaves. Meanwhile, the qualitative component of the research provided insight into the techniques currently used by farmers to prevent recao diseases on their farms, as well as the recommendations and guidance that agricultural extension agents would provide farmers for managing the disease.

The student, who is currently in his fifth year of the Biomedical Sciences program in the School of Health and Sciences, described the experience as one that brought about “a world of change” by strengthening his research skills and allowing him to put into practice the knowledge he had acquired in the classroom. Throughout the process, he highlighted the role of his mentor, Dr. Sofía Macchiavelli, in his development as a researcher.

“The tasks involved in this research challenged me and helped me step outside my comfort zone. All of this helped me grow because she saw potential in me, and that is the most valuable aspect of it all. You learn and apply what you know, but mentorship also builds confidence,” the student said.

Dr. Macchiavelli, a professor and academic leader of Sciences in the ESYC, highlighted the student’s commitment and leadership, both among his fellow researchers and in professional forums where he was the only undergraduate student.

“We want to develop students who are capable of analyzing evidence, asking questions, communicating their ideas, and using science to address the needs of their communities. Samuel has done precisely that by connecting laboratory work with the experiences and needs of farmers and agronomists. More importantly, he has learned that his perspective has value and that he is prepared to take part in and contribute to scientific and professional spaces,” she said.

Samuel J. Arce Mercado alongside his mentor, Dr. Sofía Macchiavelli. (Photo provided)

Looking ahead, Arce Mercado envisions pursuing a career in aviation, a passion that, although it may seem unrelated to his academic preparation, he says will be strengthened by the knowledge and skills he has gained during his time at Sagrado.

“At Sagrado, I found my passion. It gave me the tools, experiences, moments, and mentors—everything I needed to understand who I am and what I need to do,” he said.

His participation in the conference was made possible through the support of Culture of Research Achievement at Sagrado (CoRA-S), an institutional initiative that promotes undergraduate research and facilitates interdisciplinary collaborations. With the support of this program and the mentorship provided by the School of Health and Sciences, Samuel’s journey exemplifies Sagrado’s vision of going beyond professional preparation to educate students as whole individuals who are capable of leading, transforming, and developing projects for the common good.

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