Maricelis Acevedo is a Research Professor and Director of the Feed the Future Insect-Resistant Eggplant Partnership, Director for Science for the Borlaug Global Rust Initiative, and Associate Director for the Wheat Diseases Early Warning and Advisory System Project based at Cornell University (USA). She holds B.Sc. (Biology) and M.Sc. (Agronomy and Soil Sciences) degrees from the University of Puerto Rico and a Ph.D. in Biology with Specialization in Plant Pathology from the University of Nebraska (USA). Maricelis works side by side with wheat scientists around the world to develop and deliver highly adapted, agronomically superior, and pest-resistant varieties for more resilient food systems. She has demonstrated a strong track record of developing and supporting partnerships across disciplines, institutions, and geographies to strengthen national agricultural research capabilities.