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WELCOME TO EFAS

Empowering Future Agricultural Scientists: food security and climate change research experiences for undergraduate students. EFAS-REEU

Where Are They Now? by Alvaro Jesus Silvestre Zavala

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About EFAS

We seek to increase the number of students who will pursue and complete degrees in agricultural sciences and/or that can join the agricultural work force. Participants will engage in experimental learning on local agricultural issues with global implications.

Our objectives are (1) to provide hands-on experiential learning to participants by developing research projects in crop fields and research laboratories, (2) to train participants to gather data, analyze it, and disseminate results in both technical and non- technical language, and (3) to develop workshops to nurture leadership skills and identify career paths in agriculture.  This is a renewal proposal for our current REEU award number: 2016-67032-25013.

Past achievements for this program include: (1) awards for best poster presentations: 2nd and 3rd place at the 2023 annual Subtropical Agriculture and Environment Society meeting for oral presentations, and 2nd place for poster presentation. (2) One full-time job position at TCPDMC and a part-time job at the TAMUK Citrus Center. (3) Continuation of different USDA programs (USDA STEP 2, local program, and USDA-ARS Science in Action, national program). (4) Publication of personal experiences in the UTRGV Pulse magazine. (5) More than 18 poster presentations at scientific meetings. (6) Participation in community engagement activities, and (7) dissemination of our program in the USDA NIFA Newsletter.

Why Apply?

You’ll receive training in how to solve important local challenges in food security and climate change that have a national and worldwide impact. All you need is initiative and enthusiasm to be part of the solution to these problems!

Program Benefits

  • Scholarship during spring, summer and fall
  • A choice of doing research on Animal or Plant Health 
  • Get research experience in the field, lab or both
  • Travel to local, state, and national conferences
  • Publish your results in scientific journals
  • Grad or/and job opportunities

How to Apply

  • Send a one page statement indicating your interest in this program and
  • A copy of your transcripts (minimum GPA 3.0) to: