AgDiscovery 2023 Summer Program
The College of Sciences at UTRGV concluded its highly successful AgDiscovery Program today, marking a significant milestone in the university's commitment to inspiring and equipping the next generation of agricultural leaders. Over the past two weeks, 12 high school students from the local area participated in an immersive experience filled with hands-on learning workshops, behind-the-scenes tours, laboratory and field exercises, and engaging character- and team-building activities.
The program, hosted by the UTRGV School of Earth, Environmental, and Marine Sciences (SEEMS), aimed to introduce the students to the vast potential of careers in plant and soil sciences, food inspection and distribution, as well as natural resources and wildlife biology. Family, faculty, and students gathered on the UTRGV Edinburg Campus at the Science Deans Conference Room to celebrate the culmination of this transformative educational journey.
Dr. Robin Choudhury, co-PI and assistant professor at SEEMS, expressed his delight at the program's success and its impact on inspiring students to pursue careers in plant and soil sciences. He emphasized that agricultural careers extend far beyond traditional field work, encompassing scientists, researchers, extension agents, and many others who play a vital role in ensuring food security.
The event was graced by special guests Sherron Jernigan, director of the Office of Civil Rights Diversity and Inclusion at the USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), and Dr. Emitria Henderson, ORCDI management analyst. Jernigan, in her address, encouraged students to consider the future of agriculture and natural science, urging them to major in agriculture and think in an environmentally friendly way to preserve our planet and tackle global challenges such as climate change.
Dr. Christopher Gabler, principal investigator of the project and associate professor of Plant Ecology & Sustainability at UTRGV, emphasized the program's role as a bridge connecting students to the agricultural profession and paving the way for future careers. Throughout the program, the students had the unique opportunity to meet professionals in the field firsthand. They visited soil labs, private farms, wildlife refuges, public labs, and federal labs, actively participating in research projects and collecting data for their own studies. The program culminated in the development of research posters, which the students presented at the closing ceremony, showcasing their newfound knowledge and skills.
Taylor Camacho, a junior at PSJA Memorial Early College High School, expressed her excitement about the AgDiscovery program and the doors it has opened for her future. With aspirations of obtaining a graduate degree in plant pathology and pursuing a career in agriculture, she highlighted the program's role in developing her skills in plant physiology and citrus disease control.
UTRGV's AgDiscovery Program has been a resounding success, positioning the university as a leading institution in inspiring and nurturing future agricultural leaders. By providing students with immersive and hands-on experiences, exposing them to diverse agricultural possibilities, and fostering a passion for agricultural sciences, UTRGV has played a pivotal role in empowering students and paving the way for a prosperous future in the field.