Ashley Torres


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Years in the program: September 2024 - February 2025

Mentors: Dr. Sarah Maestas and Dr. Jason Tidewell, USDA Microbiologist

Title of Projects/Products:

Ashley Torres, Jason Tidwell, Sarah Maestas. Comparative analysis of existing Babesia bigemina and Babesia bovis diagnostic assays. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. 

Where I am now: 

As of January 2025, I am in my final semester of my bachelor's degree in Biology with a minor in Kinesiology at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. I was drawn to the Empowering Future Agricultural Scientists program due to my strong interest in Microbiology and Nutrition. Through this program and my work with the USDA Cattle Fever Tick Research Unit, I gained valuable research skills and knowledge to support my future endeavors. Specifically, I have acquired knowledge in diagnosing diseases using various PCR-based assays. This Fall 2025, I will begin PA School, and I also plan to pursue a second master's degree in nutrition. My ultimate goal is to contribute to disease prevention within my community by integrating nutrition education into patient care.