"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.
"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.
"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.
"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.
