DR. ALEXIS RACELIS

Program Director CENA / Program Director, SOAR / Faculty Chair, Tree Campus USA Committee

Alex is an assistant professor in the Department of Biology and the School for Earth, Environmental and Marine Sciences at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. He joined UTRGV from its legacy institution (UTPA) in January 2013, and before that was a research ecologist with the USDA Agricultural Research Service. In response to the challenges of balancing agricultural and urban development in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, Alex has established a nationally recognized research and student training program at UTRGV in agroecology and the study of urban ecosystems, with the ultimate goals of: (1) using science based approaches to elucidate patterns how landowner decision-making (farmers, homeowners, etc) connect to environmental and social health, (2) and increasing ecological literacy in local area students though transformative education and engaged scholarship. Ultimately, the goal of Alex’s program is to create intellectual capital through training and research and social capital and with community engagement and outreach to facilitate sustainability, equity, and resilience within our communities.

 

MARIA GONZALEZ (She/Her)

Graduate: Sustainable Agriculture

I work full time at the Hub of Prosperity, I help oversee all operations at the hub and help facilitate projects and community outreach. I enjoy working here at the hub because it makes me happy, and keeps me connected to my community. I also really enjoy watching crops grow, and the ability to provide food for people feels wonderful. Working here makes me feel proud!

Team Directors

 
“Agriculture is our wisest pursuit, because it will in the end contribute most to real wealth, good morals, and happiness.”
— Thomas Jefferson
 

The Farm Crew

MARIO FIERRO (He/Him)

M.S Public Affairs

I am a Project Specialist for CEFAIR focusing on outreach and engagement with the community through workshops and curriculum. I enjoy being able to learn about sustainable practices for myself and teach others how to grow food for themselves. All while also working with others with similar passion.

 

STEPHANIE KASPER, M.S (She/Her)

Research Associate / Farm Manager, Hub of Prosperity Farm

After 3 years of small farming in central Texas, Stephanie joined the Agroecology lab in 2017 as a masters student and completed her thesis on nitrogen fixation by leguminous cover crops in 2019.  Since then, she's been involved in Agroecology lab projects including cover crops, soil moisture, soil health, biocontrol of silverleaf nightshade, tomato disease resistance and low-input vegetable production. 

Stephanie has managed UTRGV's research and education farm, the Hub of Prosperity, since its founding in 2019. She's an avid front-yard vegetable gardener and rain harvester and dreams of a Rio Grande Valley where anyone who wants to grow food at home has easy access to the skills and resources required.

 

SAMANTHA MARTIN (She/They)

Graduate Student

I have a bachelors degree in Biology and a minor in Environmental Sciences from UTRGV. I am working on the CIT project and focuses on plant response to cover crops.

 

BIANCA NUNEZ (She/They)

Undergraduate: Mechanical Engineering & Minor in Environmental Sciences

I currently work on garden and farm maintenance, and I enjoy learning new practical skills everyday..

 

OLIVIA STARKWEATHER (She/They)

Undergraduate: Sustainable Agriculture

Within the Agroecology program I work at the Hub of Prosperity farm, at the UTRGV Garden on Campus, and assist with Graduate Students studying cover crops on the Conservation Innovation Trials (CIT) team. The Agroecology program student team is incredibly supportive and uplifting. Dr. Racelis and Stephanie Kasper are the teachers of my wildest dreams (totally not a Taylor Swift reference) and I am very grateful for all of the opportunities they offer to students, the campus, and the greater community. I hope every student in this program continues sharing its gifts with others!

 

MIKAELA MARTINEZ (She/Her)

Undergraduate: Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems/Visual Communication Design

I am the Campus Community Garden Coordinator, which involves facilitating the practices of gardening to various student groups on campus in order to foster community. I have enjoyed learning throughout the time I've been on the Agroecology team. I still have a lot to learn, but I am surrounded by many talented and knowledgeable people, that rather than being intimidated by all I don't know, I am inspired by all I can learn. I enjoy being part of a group of people that wants to incite positive change through increased sustainable practices that in turn create strong food systems our community can rely on to provide for them.


KATY AMADOR (She/Her)

Undergraduate: Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems

I help do tasks around the farm and help with community outreach. I enjoy working at the farm because it helps me get experience pertaining to my major and I get to spend time outside!

 

JULIETE GONZALEZ (She/Her)

Undergraduate: Biology w/ a minor in Environmental Science and Health Service Technology

I work on farm maintenance at The Hub of Prosperity and conduct research on the biocontrol of silverleaf nightshade. I have enjoyed learning about sustainable agriculture and food systems and being a part of a team who shares the same interests. Working outside and learning practical skills everyday is an added bonus!

 

ALI RAMOS (They/Them)

Undergraduate: Environmental Science Interdisciplinary

I am the community garden manager at the Hub of Prosperity. I manage 20 beds and host events for our members. I also help at both the Hub and Agroecology Garden with crop maintenance. I enjoy being able to learn in such a hands-on environment about things that relate to my major. I enjoy the strong sense of community that working here has brought to my life.

APOLONIO FLORES (He/They)

Undergraduate: Environmental Science

I work to maintain the campus Agroecology organic garden by planting and caring for vegetables crops that are distributed to the campus Food Pantry or to anyone who happens to stop by! I like that we’ve created a space for students and community members that enables hands-on learning about sustainability and appreciation of local food systems.

 

JOEL ALANIZ Jr. (He/Him)

Undergraduate: Kinesiology

Laborer at the UTRGV Organic Garden and The Hub of Prosperity.

There is no greater joy than working with my hands, and being a part of this team just means I get build a strong community, friendships, all while harvesting beautiful produce at the same time.

 

MEAGAN MENDOZA (She/Her)

B.A. Marketing and Studio Art

I am a Media and Content director for the Hub of Prosperity and UTRGV Agroecology team, helping to communicate our mission and values through social media, video editing, and website design. I capture the creative and fun-loving nature of our team through photos and various forms of content!