General problems in the postgraduate course

COVID-19 has become a serious health problem in different countries. It affects the entire society. Unfortunately, the virus that causes the disease, SARS-CoV-2, is among us and has changed our way of living, forcing humanity to face unexpected challenges. However, human beings are adapting and innovating to face the conditions imposed by this pandemic. This situation has clearly changed the way we see things, and every day we must prepare physically and psychologically, as well as to catch up on the use of digital tools that help us take the responsibilities and duties of every member of society. While things go back to normal, we will continue to work online and we must try our best, without jeopardizing our health.

The UAT postgraduate students have had diverse problems. However, we have obligations to fulfill, despite the demanding workload of our studies and despite having to quickly adapt to the health crisis. Before the pandemic broke out, we, as students, could study abroad for some time, with the best facilities and equipment with which to do our research. Nowadays, this is impossible since universities and research centers are closed. Students can’t do this anymore because it would put their health at risk, as well as the health of collaborating researchers. On the other hand, it is hard to move ahead with our research because everything is restricted (library, laboratory or equipment). Another limitation to adequately continue our research are the institutional logistic and financial restrictions. The limited economic support for fuel or the availability of official vehicles for field experiments causes delays and modifications in our research. In the light of this situation, there are inconsistencies, since the COVID-19 health protocol forbids social gatherings and travels, yet the postgraduate course continues to demand considerable progress in our research. In some cases, researches have been stopped, therefore alternatives are being sought. Postgraduate students struggle to continue their research because that reflects their professionalism and commitment. However, there are no academic contingency plans or rules to back up a situation like the one we are undergoing. In addition, remote classes have been challenging for students and professors due to occasional technical problems that cause interruptions or limit the efficiency of the teaching-learning process. This causes a problem between speaker and listener. Information is not passed onto the students and the objectives of the courses are only achieved halfway.

On the other hand, Universities and the CONACyT have kept the graduation requirements in due time and form. A PhD lasts 3 to 4 years and some internal university regulations request national and international stays, a scientific article to be published and having another one in editorial process. However, due to the problem presented, modifications to these requirements should be considered. In this context, the grant holders are the most affected, because this also has repercussions on the fulfillment of requirements to become a part of the National System of Researchers. A permanent modification in regulations may not be possible, but it would be suitable to add an Appendix for students who study postgraduate courses during the COVID-19 pandemic or during eventual recurring pandemic events.

Testimony of a PhD student that survived COVID-19

When COVID-19 was found in the state of Tamaulipas and health regulations were put into place, I was in the laboratory of the institution, working on the research for my PhD program. The university was evacuated and closed. However, I had set up an experiment in the laboratory, which consisted of the microencapsulation of Trichoderma spp. and Bacillus spp. To evaluate them as antagonists of Fusarium spp. and as growth inducers in tomato plants (Solanum sp). Once the first stage of the experiment was complete, plans had been made for me to spend some time working in the Food and Development Research Center (Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo A.C.), in Cuauhtémoc, Chihuahua, with a researcher who is part of my thesis committee. The purpose of this stay was to use microencapsulation equipment. However, it became impossible to travel, so the methodology was modified so that I could carry out the encapsulation in a less sophisticated and less costly way. I was granted access to the laboratory to complete my experiment, which I had set up. Once the evaluation of antagonism was completed as a part of the first stage of the experiment, the fieldwork was next. The health contingency did not affect the stage of the tomato transplant and inoculation of the encapsulated microorganisms. I had the support of a teacher and researcher and his family, who helped me set up the experiment in their property, thanks to which I managed to perform my first plant growth measurements. However, in late December I tested positive for COVID-19, my health deteriorated and it was impossible to continue with the evaluation. With time and the adequate care, my health began to improve slowly. Side effects have remained which have reduced my productivity. On the other hand, the tomato crop had complications while I was sick because it got Bemisia sp and virosis. The first fruits were not cut and the data register got lost. In addition, the winter cause the fruits to mature slowly, therefore some measurements were made in part. I needed to take the greatest possible advantage of the experiment. The important thing was that I was in good health again, albeit with some side effects which, I hope, will go away with time, but I am motivated to continue with my research. I know that, from now on, lectures may continue online, with limitations in lab equipment and infrastructure, but it is important for me to continue with my studies. The experiment will be replicated on the field and the goals of my research will be achieved, always considering the indications of experts in terms of COVID-19 safety measures.

Testimony of a Master’s degree student regarding COVID-19

When the COVID-19 began in Mexico, I was studying the last semester of my Bachelor’s degree, planning to begin a Master’s degree the following semester. However, the pandemic just kept extending. The course of selection was done virtually, due to the health regulations established. I was accepted and plant material was immediately prepared to establish my thesis work. One of the greatest difficulties was moving plants to the experimental site due to entry restrictions in the University. There were no official vehicles, either, despite being crucial for the transportation of citrus plants. My work consisted in inoculating the bacteria Candidatus Liberibacter asiticus into different citrus species with contrasting rootstocks to test the effect of resistance inducers. The complications in the transportation of plants delayed the inoculation of the bacteria, which would be performed by grafting infected shoots. We decided to transport them ourselves, although when we got a vehicle, the plants were no longer in optimal conditions, and the work continued with delay since new plants were needed. Later, a frost fell and all the experimental material was lost. We had to look for new plants elsewhere and modify the original project. Nowadays, the research is underway, and although progress is slow due to health restrictions, I know I will achieve my goals. This situation drives me to be more self-taught, to look for solutions and get constantly updated in the use of digital technologies. On the other hand, I am willing to adapt to the situation and fulfill my duties and responsibilities.