I am broadly interested in sustainable crop nutrient management. Specifically, I study nitrogen fertilizer pathways in California rice systems. My project investigates ammonia volatilization looking at the effect of N source, placement and timing. The goal of my research is to better describe the different N pathways and fates in rice systems and to make practical suggestions for improved nutrient management practices.

My broad interests are related to soil fertility, water, and crop systems management. Early season nitrogen (N) fertilizer loss can occur when fertilizer is placed in the soil, and due to adverse weather-related events or unplanned field drainage events the N can nitrify leading to denitrification losses when the field is reflooded. My research is focused on quantifying nitrification rates in rice fields with the intent of developing a simple tool that farmers can use to access potential N losses when such events occur. Such a tool will lead to both economic and environmental benefits. I have prior experience working on farms in the Washington D.C. metro area and as a project manager for global health programs.

My research focuses on nutrition management in commercial organic rice production in California. Specifically, I am evaluating the impact of multiple fertilizer applications on organic rice fields with weed control drains on yield, nitrogen uptake, nitrogen soil dynamics, and resource use efficiency. More broadly, I am interested in the evaluation, perception and dissemination of sustainable management practices for food production.

My primary interests are in the effects of water management practices on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in California rice systems. Specifically, my research involves the implementation of midseason drainage of flooded rice fields and its subsequent effects on soil nitrogen dynamics, GHG emissions, and grain yield. Having grown up in New Mexico, I was raised with an appreciation for sustainable water management. The ultimate goal of my research is to help develop water management practices that can be effectively utilized by rice growers in California and other parts of the world to reduce overall seasonal emissions without sacrificing yield. I graduated with a BS in Science Pre-professional from the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana where my work with Collegiate 4-H reinforced my interest in sustainable agriculture.

The primary focus of my research is to promote sustainable nutrient management in California rice systems. Specifically, I am developing remote sensing tools that can guide sustainable N management decisions, as well as, investigating the effectiveness of existing management practices and optimizing them to attain high yields with minimal environmental impact.

I study patterns of land use change in California’s Central Valley and their interaction with environmental factors. Specifically, I study the recent trend of switching land use from rice production into other perennial and annual crops with the goal of describing the location, timing, and extent of this trend and investigating relationships between these patterns of land use change and environmental factors such as soil type, drought conditions, and climate. I aim to utilize forecasted climate change scenarios to make predictions about future land cover patterns in the Central Valley. My goal is to conduct research that serves as a tool to help policy makers and practitioners build sustainable, resilient agroecosystems.