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"I was always thinking about how I can assist hard-working growers such as my father in being more productive in their farming practices, particularly to enhance resource use efficiency in their operations.
June is bustin' out all over All over the meadow and the hill Buds 're bustin' outa bushes And the rompin' river pushes Ev'ry little wheel that wheels beside the mill --Rodgers and Hammerstein Just remove "June" and replace it with "Spring.
"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.
"I decided to pursue ecology as a career because it provided both the intellectual exploration of complex systems, while also providing a pathway to directly benefit human well-being by using research to address management and policy challenges.
"Controlling plants such as Arundo and tamarisk enhances water resources for agriculture as well as reduces wildfire threats in our fire-prone landscape.
"Because I am located in the center of agricultural industries, I can travel to the north or the south easily, observe, diagnose and solve the problems.
"Avocado growers are a delight to be around. The industry welcomed me with open arms even though I did not have a background in avocado. They were all very willing to teach me about this special fruit.
"When I was young, I grew up in Humboldt county, and my family worked in forests. Later I became interested in how fire shaped California ecosystems, and it has become the focus of my work.
