"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.
"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.
"We are experimentally testing how these global-scale changes are altering native diversity, species invasions, disease, and important ecosystem processes like carbon sequestration in soils.
"There is an average of about 15% yield differences over time at Intermountain the knowledge of choosing the right variety is worth millions of dollars to the intermountain regions.
"To date, we have collected measurements from over 100,000 fruits. These measurements have allowed us to begin to understand the genetic basis of fruit traits, including fruit quality, for more than 600 varieties.
"I've found that studying ecology allows me to spend time outdoors in amazing places while also working with bright and motivated students to answer interesting questions.
"I was hoping to find a position that combined my interest in research, livestock, and working with farmers. The livestock position with ANR provided all of that plus the opportunity to help solve real-world problems that could be implemented directly on-farm.
"I am basically a librarian who knows where to go and whom to speak with to find information. I am an agricultural psychologist, listening to what is needed.
