We thought it would be fun to interview some of our researchers so you can learn more about them and why they conduct their research at our Research and Extension Centers!
"I was one of those stereotypical 'interested in bugs since a kid' entomologists, but I became interested in agriculture and extension as I started grad school.
"Having access to a location such as the Sierra Foothill REC where we can test vaccines under conditions that closely mimic typical California foothills environments and where pinkeye occurs naturally in animals is, in my opinion, priceless.
"Looking back, I think that the summertime I spent at my grandparents' farm as a kid was critical to get in contact with nature, farming, and learning about the intricate operations to deliver great products to consumers.
"This year, we are looking at how recently developed cultivars of strawberry respond to a variable density of soil-borne pathogens this can show what cultivars growers can use depending on their pathogen species and levels in soil, and what to expect.
"As a terminal degree, I studied plant biology with the department of botany and plant sciences at UCR. Accordingly, I believe that I was well set to become an agronomy advisor.
"This work allows me to provide practical solutions to critical issues California growers face. My program is essentially focused on endemic and invasive diseases of tree crops.
