Position Title
Associate Professional Researcher
Education
- Ph.D. Agronomy. (2014) University of California Davis, Davis CA
- M.S. Horticulture. (2007) Virginia Tech, Blacksburg VA
- B.S. Honors. Natural Resource Sciences. (2004) University of Maryland, College Park MD
Research Interests
My research brings together plant, soil, and social sciences to improve tree cropping systems across diverse climates, from California orchards to cocoa farms in the tropics. I am motivated by both untangling the complexities of nutrient cycling and turning that knowledge into practical strategies for improving fertilizer and water use, and yield.
Developing effective practices is only part of the challenge. I also seek to understand what makes those practices practical and worthwhile for growers to adopt. This includes examining agronomic and knowledge barriers to conservation practices and the role of technical advisors in shaping grower decisions. My interests in agricultural education and adult learning center on how advisors interpret research, communicate recommendations, and support changes in management. Through collaboration with growers, advisors, researchers, and industry partners, I aim to connect scientific understanding with the realities of farming to advance economically viable and environmentally sound agricultural systems.