Five New Women Faculty in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Virginia Tech

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg has appointed several women faculty members in its College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Cristina Fernandez-Fraguas was appointed an assistant professor in the department of food science and technology. She was a research scientist at the Institute of Food Research in the United Kingdom. Dr. Fernandez-Fraguas holds a master’s degree in chemistry and a master’s degree and P.D. in food science and technology, all from Complutense University of Madrid in Spain.

Carlin Rafie was named an assistant professor in the department of human nutrition, foods, and exercise. Dr. Rafie will also serve as an adult nutrition specialist for the Virginia Cooperative Extension service. Dr. Rafie holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Oklahoma State University. She earned a Ph.D. in dietetics and nutrition from Florida International University in Miami.

Maria Sharakhova has joined the faculty in the department of entomology. Her research is focused on developing cytogenic tools for studying mosquitoes that transmit yellow fever and other tropical diseases. Dr. Sharakhova holds a master’s degree in biology from Tomsk State University and a Ph.D. in genetics from the Institute of Cytology and Genetics, both in Russia.

Laura Strawn was named an assistant professor of food science and technology and a specialist with Virginia Cooperative Extension. She is an expert in food safety. Dr. Strawn is a graduate of the University of California, Davis, where she majored in food science and technology. She holds a master’s degree from the University of Florida and a Ph.D. in food science from Cornell University.

Hannah Scherer was appointed an assistant professor of agricultural, leadership, and community education. She will also serve as an extension specialist in training 4-H and secondary school educators  to teach STEM programs in agriculture. Dr. Scherer is a graduate of Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota, where she majored in geology. She holds a Ph.D. in geological and environmental sciences from Stanford University.