Doctoral student Gen Ha Park was named a George Washington Carver scholar for his work developing heat- and drought-tolerant chile peppers using genomic tools. His research aims to support sustainable farming in a warming climate.
Jennifer Baumbach used her GSR award to support research on water-wise landscaping, which she now applies in her role leading the Master Gardener Program in Solano and Yolo counties, turning science into practical gardening solutions.
Graduate Student Research awardee Leslie Roche used her support to explore grazing and conservation, laying the foundation for UC Rangelands. Her work informs federal policy and supports both ranchers and threatened species.
Whitney Brim-DeForest, UCCE rice and wild rice advisor, used her GSR award to research weed management in rice. Her graduate training built strong grower ties and skills now guiding her work in California’s top rice-growing region.
Graduate Student Research funding gave Mark Lundy the flexibility to pursue applied, industry-relevant agronomy. Now a UCCE associate professor, he leads efficient farming research and trains future agronomists at UC Davis.
Betsy Karle, now a UCCE dairy advisor and county director, used her UC Davis GSR award to conduct real-world research balancing grazing and water quality. The experience launched her career in improving dairy sustainability statewide.
Grace Woodmansee used her GSR award to strengthen her research and outreach skills, preparing her for a career as a UCCE advisor. Her drought-focused work with ranchers now helps support resilient rangeland management in California.
Grant Johnson’s GSR award helped launch his UC Cooperative Extension career in urban ag tech. It supported his research on nursery runoff and gave him skills he now uses to improve irrigation, fertilization, and water reuse.
Catelyn Bridges, a Ph.D. student and mother, received the UC Davis Plant Sciences GSR/DEI award to support her cannabis research and efforts to uplift underrepresented farmers. The award eases financial strain and advances equity in science.
Doctoral student Anca Barcu received a DEI-focused GSR award to study dry-farmed tomatoes that could help low-resource growers. Her work is inspired by her Romanian roots, community leadership, and desire to build a better future.
