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USDA-HSI Programs Department of Biology

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UDSA-HSI Research Programs
Be Aware Program is managed by Dr. Michael Persans. The Persans lab, in conjunction with the DeYoe lab, at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is working with freshwater and saltwater agal species to use them for two purposes. One is to use them as bio-indicators of water quality for agriculture and the other is to test them for their ability to produce lipids for biofuels.
USDA NIFA supports research, educational, and extension efforts in a wide range of scientific fields related to agricultural and behavioral sciences. In all of these areas you will find NIFA working in pursuit of our vision. To address contemporary agricultural challenges, we seek to catalyze transformative discoveries and enhance education and engagement.| Ruby S. De La Garze is the USDA HSI Regional Director for Texas. She is hosted at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV). Ruby is a natuive of the Rio Grande Valley, the southernmost part of Texas along the US-Mexico Border. The main industry in the Rio Grande Valley is agriculture; the subtropical climate and soil provide an almost year round growing season for farmers. The Valley is known for its Ruby Red Grapefruits and Sweet Onions.

USDA-HSI Internship Programs

STEP 2 USDA Research Success

Science, Technology and Environmental Programs

STEP 2 USDA Research Success is a program designed to provide hands-on mentored research experiences for South Texas students interested in careers in the biological and agricultural sciences. Funded by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) at the United States Department of Agriculture, the STEP 2 program is a collaborative effort between UTRGV, Texas A&M Kingsville, Texas State Technical College, and South Texas College designed to provide students with the tools to successfully complete B.S. and M.S. degrees. These experiences will allow students to progress to doctoral research programs in the biological and agricultural sciences as a means to enter the scientific and USDA workforce.

STEP 2

USDA BE AWARE 2

BioEnergy And Water for Agriculture Research and Education

The BE AWARE 2 Program is a program that is being managed by Dr. Persans. The Persans lab, in conjunction with the DeYoe lab, at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is working with freshwater and saltwater algal species to use them for two purposes. One is to use them as bio-indicators of water quality for agriculture and the other is to test them for their ability to produce lipids for biofuels. This grant is in partnership with Dr. Krystel Castillo from the University of Texas San Antonio and Dr. Felix R. Roman-Velazquez from the University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez

BE AWARE

OTHER USDA PROGRAMS AT UTRGV

Agroecology Program

The Agroecology program at UTRGV combines student-centered research, education, and community engagement in various projects to address locally relevant issues that affect agroecosystems in South Texas.

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Talent in Agriculture for Climate Change
and Food Security Adaptation (TACFSA)

The three-year grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) will support 30 undergraduate students in developing research and engaging in experiential learning.

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Training, Research,
and Education in Soil Science (TRESS)

TRESS offers state-of-the-art soil science courses as well as experiential learning activities, and channels students to careers related to soil science.

Click for more info
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