Pictured: Ariana Abbrescia, who graduated in May 2023 with a master’s degree in agroecology, is highlighted in a UW Organic Collaborative-produced video series about UW-Madison graduate students doing organic agriculture-focused research.
In 2020, an anonymous donation to UW-Madison funded the creation of the UW Organic Collaborative. This is a group of faculty, staff and partners committed to furthering organic agriculture through research, education and outreach.
At the same time, the gift also established five assistantships for graduate students focused on organic research and education.
Now viewers can learn about the stories and research experiences of this “first crop” of graduate students. The video series – which features a two-minute video for each graduate student – is available to watch on YouTube at: https://go.wisc.edu/organicagvideoseries.
The Videos Feature:
Ariana Abbrescia, who graduated in May 2023 with a master’s degree in agroecology. Abbrescia’s project involved working to develop web-based resources for integrated disease and pest management in organic vegetable crops. Guidance came from plant pathology Prof. Amanda Gevens and entomology Prof. Russel Groves.
Claire Benning, who is pursuing a master’s degree in agroecology. Benning is working to determine the benefits of cover crops and cover crop mixtures on organic grain farms with guidance from soil science Prof. Matt Ruark.
Ambar Carvallo Lopez, who is pursuing a PhD in plant breeding and plant genetics. Carvallo Lopez is working to breed organic tomatoes with high yield and good flavor with guidance from horticulture Prof. Julie Dawson.
Liam Dixon, who is pursuing a PhD in plant breeding and plant genetics. Dixon is working to breed organic table beets for disease resistance, with guidance from horticulture Prof. Irwin Goldman.
Guang Tian, who is pursuing a PhD in agricultural and applied economics. Tian is exploring retail competition, marketing, and opportunities for organic dairy producers in the upper Midwest, with guidance from ag and applied economics Prof. Sheldon Du.
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