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Three interns from Zamorano University in Honduras came to Cornell University to work for the Nutrient Management Spear Program (NMSP) this August. Aidan Villanueva, Sara Rebeca Mach Tomas and Cristhian Said Galvez Espinoza are all graduating this coming December from Zamorano University with degrees in environmental development– the intersection between sustainability, conservation and social development. 

We sat down with them to learn more about their backgrounds, the projects they are working on and where they’re hoping to go from here.

Aidan Villanueva

Originally from Belize, Aidan Villanueva joined NMSP to gain more experience with on-farm research and fieldwork. “This is my first applied experience, I love it, it’s very different from what I’ve done before and it’s been exciting to be a part of it.”

Man smiling at the camera.
What have you been working on with NMSP?

The last few weeks we’ve been doing lots of fieldwork, collecting soil and plant samples from farms and analyzing these samples to determine soil quality and plant nutrient uptake. Now, we are switching to data processing because farmers are finishing up with their harvest at this point in the season.

I’m working on the Value of Manure project and my direct mentor is Juan Carlos Ramos Tanchez (NMSP on-farm research coordinator). When I’m not in the field or laboratory processing samples, I’m focusing on my personal project, which has to do with manure nutrient variability. I’m essentially reviewing previous research about this and writing an extension article on the findings.

What do you like about working with NMSP?

My favorite part of working with NMSP so far has been the working environment– not everyone gets this type of experience, so I consider myself very lucky. All the team members are very nice and supportive. This is my first time experiencing a truly collaborative setting, and it’s been a really meaningful learning experience. We get to pool together different ideas and expertise to achieve a common goal, and this has taught me the value of learning from others, problem-solving as a team, and being adaptable. This experience has not only enhanced my technical skills but also helped me grow personally by showing me the importance of a supportive and cohesive team.

What are you hoping to do once you finish with NMSP and graduate?

Nothing is set in stone yet, but I’m hoping to get my master’s soon and continue conducting more field research in the future.

Sara Rebeca Mach Tomas

Originally from Guatemala, Sara Tomas joined NMSP hoping to partake in an internship that combines her passions. “I had always dreamed of coming to Cornell to do research, and when I learned that this internship combined my interests in soil and water management in a way that is applied to agriculture– it just seemed like the perfect fit.”

Woman smiling at the camera standing in front of a tree.
What have you been working on with NMSP?

I also did a lot of fieldwork and went out with Juan Carlos and others to collect soil samples. Now, I have fully transitioned to working with PhD student Gurpreet Kaur, evaluating soil microbial health indicators. I have learned to conduct soil microbial biomass assessments using the microBIOMETER. I’ve been helping with the whole process, from collecting the samples to drying, grinding and now analyzing them. My work with the microBIOMETER will be the focus of my personal project.

What do you like about working with NMSP?

This is my first experience working with a team like this, and they’re awesome. Everybody has been really supportive, helping me learn about their projects and improve my English. While I’ve worked in a lab before, this has been a more well-rounded and independent work experience where I have a lot more responsibility. I think this will be really helpful as I further my education and move forward with my career.

What are you hoping to do once you finish with NMSP and graduate?

I plan to continue my education, probably getting a master’s degree. I have many interests, but I’m hoping to focus on studying soil microorganisms.

Cristhian Said Galvez Espinoza

Originally from Ecuador, Cristhian Espinoza joined NMSP because he is passionate about helping farmers improve their practices in a multi-faceted way that advances agricultural sustainability and supports farmer livelihoods.

Photo of a man smiling at the camera.
What have you been working on with NMSP?

I’ve mostly been helping with the Dairy Soil & Water Regeneration Project, working closely with Jasdeep Singh (postdoctoral research associate) and Sadiel Andres Negron (research technician). For my personal project, I am focusing on the incubation study, tracking soil emissions, particularly nitrous oxide.

There’s always something to do. My day-to-day responsibilities with the team have been fairly balanced between field work, lab work and data analysis.

What do you like about working with NMSP?

Everybody on the team has been very kind and patient. They take the time to explain everything and work hard to cultivate a learning environment. I’ve done similar work in a lab back at Zamorano, but working with a bigger team has really made a difference.

What are you hoping to do once you finish with NMSP and graduate?

Everything that I have to do in my life is a part of something bigger. In the shorter term, I’m hoping to apply for graduate school. Now that I know more about the connections between yield, soil quality, greenhouse gas emissions and soil treatments, I feel like I have a more well-rounded, interdisciplinary understanding of agriculture, and I will be able to make a more meaningful impact on sustainability and the livelihood of farmers. I am passionate about international agriculture, and I hope to advocate for farmers as a lawyer in the long term.

Madeline Hanscom is a writer for the Nutrient Management Spear Program.

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