Arturo Espana
Years in the program: August 2023 - 2024
Mentors: Dr. Amanda Quattrone, Dr. Sanjay Antony, Dr. Julio Bernal
Title of Projects/Products:
- Arturo H. Espana, Amanda Quattrone, Dr. Sanjay Antony-Babu, and Julio Bernal. Variation of Fall Army Worm Tolerance in Maize Ancestors and Their Correlation with the Host Microbiomes. Awarded 2nd place for Best for Undergraduate Poster Presentation. Subtropical Agricultural & Environments Society (SAES) 78th Annual Conference in South Padre Island, Texas, February 8-9, 2024.
Where I am now:
Having been involved in agricultural communities for the majority of my life, I possess a keen awareness of the transformative potential of this field. I am particularly drawn to the prospect of working for an extension service or government agency as it offers the chance to make a direct impact on communities and promote positive change in agriculture. Whether through on-site engagement or policy advocacy, my ultimate goal is to contribute to sustainable agricultural practices and the well-being of agricultural communities. To achieve this, I am considering applying for a CONAHCYT scholarship in Mexico to pursue graduate studies in microbiology or plant pathology. Alternatively, the University of California, Davis could be a suitable option.
Ultimately, my career aspiration is to become a plant pathologist. I believe that this scholarship will provide me with an excellent opportunity to enhance my plant pathology knowledge, skills, and field experience, thereby helping me to achieve my goal of becoming a successful plant pathologist.
I am grateful for the scholarship that will allow me to conduct research under the guidance of experienced mentors this year. The focus of the research will be on the plant-soil feedback of wild relatives of Maize, and how the microbiome activity of these wild relatives interacts with the environment.