CATIE Graduate Assumes the Rectorship of UNAG in Honduras

• Roy Donald Menjívar Barahona, a graduate of CATIE’s Master’s Program in Ecological Agriculture, was sworn in as Rector of the National University of Agriculture (UNAG) of Honduras.

Honduran national Roy Donald Menjívar Barahona, a graduate of CATIE (Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center) with a Master’s degree in Ecological Agriculture, recently assumed the rectorship of the National University of Agriculture (UNAG) in Catacamas, Olancho, Honduras.

During his studies at CATIE, Menjívar developed his master’s thesis under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Luis E. Pocasangre, now Director General of CATIE, conducting research on the use of endophytic fungi for the biological control of nematodes in banana. He later pursued doctoral studies at the University of Bonn, Germany, consolidating a distinguished scientific and academic career.

For CATIE’s Director General, this achievement represents a source of institutional pride. “It is deeply rewarding to see our students reach leadership positions. Roy exemplifies the impact of CATIE’s high-quality education in the region. His appointment as Rector of UNAG confirms that we are training leaders committed to science and the agricultural development of our countries,” stated Dr. Luis Pocasangre.

CATIE extends its gratitude to the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the Government of Germany for their support of the Graduate School, which has enabled the training of professionals who now lead transformative processes across Latin America and the Caribbean.

With this appointment, Dr. Menjívar joins the group of alumni who continue to position the CATIE hallmark in strategic spaces within academia and regional development.

Admissions are currently open for the 2026 virtual master’s programs and the 2027 on-campus master’s programs. To learn more about our academic offerings, please visit: https://www.catie.ac.cr/oferta-academica/