Plant, Environmental and Agroecology Sciences (PEAS) Fellowship for undergraduate research

Grace Kasabula

Effects of regenerative soil management on bacterial nitrogen cycling.

“I grew up in New England alongside some of the nation's oldest farmlands which gave me my interest and passion for growing food and solving problems in agriculture. Working at an agroecology lab here at UC Davis got me thinking about the vast below ground microbial world that can provide a variety of valuable functions. Through this fellowship I am excited to explore how microbial nitrogen cycling capacities respond to long term regenerative management through collaboration with Park Farm Organics.”

Angelina Shibata

Effects of supplementational water on microclimatic variation and insect distribution.

“I grew up in San Diego, California, where I was always outdoors. Whether I was gardening or going on a hike, I've always loved learning about nature like plants and insects! I'm excited to explore these dynamics through the PEAS Fellowship on insect-plant interactions regarding microclimate variation in the CALL Garden (Climate Adaptation Living Lab) under Emily Meineke. I hope to expand on the growing field of microclimate ecology in climate science.”

Wyatt Murphy

Native plant establishment in differing soil legacies.

“I grew up in Southern California where I was able to volunteer with the Irvine Ranch Conservancy. Through volunteering I observed the extent and consequences of invasive plant cover in the ecosystems I love. During this fellowship, I will get to explore how invasive grassland species can create soil legacies that allow invasive dominance and examine the extent to which these legacies prevent recolonization of native grassland species.”

Stasha Leonard 

Firelighter Testplot: Exploring the role of flames in agroecology.

“I was raised in fire prone Northern California, and for a long time, my relationship with fire was defined by fear. In college, I had the opportunity to learn about fire not only as a force of destruction, but a form of land stewardship vital to California landscapes. In this fellowship, I am exploring the relationship between fire and native food plants to better understand how fire can be used as a tool for land stewardship and food production.”

Chen Li

Hemp grain and fiber performance across agroecosystems.

“I got into agriculture through my research on cannabis breeding, and what keeps me inspired is knowing that the seeds I help develop might one day grow in fields far beyond my own. I love that research allows us to make tangible contributions that connect with communities and support real-world change. For my PEAS project, I’m excited to explore grain and fiber variety trials in cannabis and see how this work can lead to more sustainable and diverse options.”

Princesa Ceballos Madrigal

Advancing agroecological pest nematode management practices through integrated field trials and ecosystem-based assessments.

“I’m from Porterville, California where my interest in agriculture was shaped by my experiences growing up in a farmworker family and seeing firsthand the challenges and resilience within the industry. As a PEAS Fellow, I’m excited to partner with Corteva Agriscience on pesticide trials that aim to improve crop health and contribute to more sustainable farming systems.”

Itzel Villagran

Soil health at the UC Davis Student Farm

“Being from an urban area in Los Angeles County, I’m passionate about making sustainable agriculture more accessible in cities like my hometown. As a PEAS fellow I'm excited to research no-till practices at the UC Davis Student Farm to better understand their impact on soil health and potential applications in urban farming!”

Morgan Wlaschin

Identifying resilient wheat varieties to maintain high agronomic performance, nutritional composition and bread-making quality under drought conditions in Mediterranean-climate regions.

“I'm from Seattle, Washington, and I became interested in small cereal grains after working as a research assistant in the Grain Cropping Systems lab this past summer, where I was fortunate to interact with passionate and knowledgeable individuals. My proposed project aims to investigate the effects of water stress on the nutritional composition and baking quality of grain, thereby improving human health and maintaining a reliable food system.”

Adazsofia Lengyel

Rooting for Health: Urban Agriculture Influence on Soil Ecosystem

"I am excited to be working with the PEAS fellowship in order to develop research skills, engage in participatory research, and further my education about sustainable urban agriculture systems that increase food accessibility through my own personal project!”

Sriram Srinivas

Effects of Cultural Burning on Soil Carbon and Microbial Communities

"I’m excited to get to design my own project and contribute to our understanding of the benefits of cultural burning”

Lynnea Hanna

Impacts of Sheep Grazing on Plant Community and Soil Microbiomes in Riparian and Adjacent Agroecosystems

“I am so excited to be a PEAS fellow because it has given me the opportunity to learn about so many different aspects of the research process, to follow my own curiosity, and to learn from local farmers and land managers - all with the support of a wonderful community!”