Sam Ying (ze/zir) is an Assistant Professor of Environmental Sciences at the University of California, Riverside, specializing in soil biogeochemistry and planetary health. 

Sam’s research explores how biogeochemical processes, human land use, and water systems impact environmental sustainability, using interdisciplinary tools to study soil chemistry, nutrient cycling, and contamination. Ze teaches courses in soil science, environmental soil chemistry, and biogeochemistry, mentoring students through hands-on research and community engagement. Passionate about fostering inclusive science, Sam brings a dynamic and engaging approach to environmental education.

Kerry E. Mauck is an Assistant Professor of Entomology at the University of California, Riverside, specializing in the chemical ecology of pathogen-host-vector interactions. She holds a Ph.D. in Entomology from Penn State University.

Dr. Mauck’s research explores how chemical signaling influences the transmission of insect-vectored plant and animal pathogens, examining how pathogens manipulate host traits to affect vector behavior. Her work has broad implications for agriculture, ecology, and disease control. She has received numerous awards, including the ETH Postdoctoral Researcher Fellowship and USDA AFRI NIFA Pre-doctoral Fellowship, and has published extensively on plant-virus-vector interactions.

James G. Borneman is a Professor of Microbiology & Plant Pathology at the University of California, Riverside, specializing in microbial ecology and plant disease suppression. His research focuses on the roles of microorganisms in ecosystems, including their impact on soil health, plant disease resistance, and human health.

Dr. Borneman’s work integrates high-throughput sequencing, bioinformatics, and molecular techniques to identify beneficial microbes, such as Dactylella oviparasitica, a fungus that suppresses plant-parasitic nematodes. His research also explores microbial solutions for combating Huanglongbing (HLB) in citrus and investigates how gut microbiota influence inflammatory diseases and cancer. He has developed advanced computational tools like PRISE2 for microbial identification and has published extensively on microbial interactions in agriculture and human health.

Francesca Hopkins is an Associate Professor of Climate Change & Sustainability at the University of California, Riverside, specializing in greenhouse gas emissions, terrestrial carbon cycles, and climate change mitigation. Her research explores urban methane emissions, soil carbon storage, and atmospheric trace gas dynamics, with a strong focus on California’s climate policies and emission reduction strategies.

Dr. Hopkins leads the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Lab, using satellite, airborne, and ground-based measurements to track emission sources from cities, agriculture, and industry. Her work informs climate adaptation efforts, urban sustainability planning, and soil carbon sequestration research. She has received multiple awards, including the NASA Postdoctoral Fellowship and NSF Graduate Research Fellowship, and actively engages in science communication and policy advising on climate change impacts.

Karsten B. Zengler, Ph.D. is a Professor of Pediatrics and an Adjunct Professor of Bioengineering at UC San Diego, with expertise in microbiome research, systems biology, and microbial ecology. His work focuses on unraveling the complex interactions between microbes, their environment, and host organisms, with applications in health, disease, and global ecosystems. Dr. Zengler has over 20 years of experience in microbiology and biotechnology. His lab pioneers community systems biology, integrating multi-omics and computational approaches to study microbial metabolism, genome organization, and interspecies interactions. He has also led groundbreaking work in high-throughput cultivation to recover previously unculturable microorganisms. As a co-founder and advisor to multiple biotech companies, he actively contributes to advancing microbiome science and its real-world applications.

Robert Jinkerson is an Associate Professor in Chemical & Environmental Engineering at the University of California, Riverside, where his research focuses on photosynthetic organisms like algae and plants. His work integrates synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, and controlled environment agriculture to develop innovative solutions in food production, biofuels, and environmental sustainability.

His lab explores artificial photosynthesis, crop engineering for space and terrestrial applications, and functional genomics in photosynthetic organisms. Jinkerson has received numerous accolades, including the NSF CAREER Award (2023) and NASA Deep Space Food Challenge (2021). He teaches courses in biochemical engineering, bioseparations, and bioprocess design while leading pioneering research in sustainable food systems and next-generation agriculture.

Kranthi Mandadi, Ph.D. is a Professor of Pathology and Microbiology at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research & Extension Center in Weslaco, Texas. His research focuses on fastidious plant-pathogen interactions, plant-virus dynamics, and biotechnology-driven solutions for plant disease management. With over 70 peer-reviewed publications in top journals, his work has received more than 2,800 citations and extensive media coverage. Dr. Mandadi has secured $48 million in research funding, including $8.5 million directly supporting his program, and has mentored over 30 undergraduates, graduate students, postdocs, and research scientists. A recipient of the 2024 APS Syngenta Award and the 2017 FFAR New Innovator Award, he also serves as an Associate Editor for Phytopathology and Frontiers in Microbiology. His leadership roles span ASPB, APS, and TPPA, contributing to advancements in plant biotechnology and genome editing for sustainable agriculture.

Dr. Georgios Vidalakis is a Professor & UC Extension Specialist in Plant Pathology at UC Riverside and the Director of the Citrus Clonal Protection Program (CCPP). His research focuses on viral and microbial diseases of citrus, including citrus viroids, viruses, and Huanglongbing (HLB). His work explores molecular virology, disease diagnostics, and pathogen interactions to improve citrus health and productivity.

As the CCPP Director, Dr. Vidalakis oversees an internationally recognized program that provides disease-free citrus germplasm to researchers and growers. The CCPP maintains over 200 citrus varieties, ensuring they are disease-tested, horticulturally evaluated, and safely imported into the U.S. He is also the Chair of the National Clean Plant Network (NCPN) Citrus Network, collaborating with national and international stakeholders to enhance citrus disease management and germplasm safety.

Dr. Michalis Faloutsos is a Professor of Computer Science at the University of California, Riverside, specializing in cybersecurity, network science, and web security. A co-founder of multiple startups, including StopTheHacker (acquired by Cloudflare) and Programize, his research focuses on detecting cyber threats, analyzing complex networks, and improving Internet security. With numerous publications in top venues, his work has been funded by the NSF, Army, and industry partners. Dr. Faloutsos is also known for his contributions to network modeling, anomaly detection, and AI-driven security solutions. 

Dr. Kevin M. Esterling is a Professor and Chair of Political Science, Professor at the School of Public Policy (SPP), and Director of the Laboratory for Technology, Communication and Democracy (TeCD-Lab) at the University of California, Riverside. He is also an affiliate of the UC Institute on Global Conflict and Cooperation (IGCC).

Dr. Esterling’s research explores technology in democratic politics, focusing on artificial intelligence, large language models, and their role in improving the quality of online democratic communication. His work applies Bayesian statistics, machine learning, and experimental design to develop AI-driven solutions for political discourse. Through TeCD-Lab, founded in 2019, he leads initiatives like Prytaneum, an innovative open-source webinar platform that enables real-time, large-scale interactive engagement between speakers and audiences.

His research has been published in top-tier journals, including Science and Nature, and The Journal of Politics. His books are published by Cambridge University Press and The University of Michigan Press. 

Dr. Tracy L. Kahn is the Academic Administrator, Curator, and Givaudan Citrus Variety Collection Endowed Chair at the University of California, Riverside. She oversees the Givaudan Citrus Variety Collection, one of the world’s most extensive citrus collections, supporting research, industry collaboration, and conservation efforts.

With a Ph.D. in Botany from UCR, Dr. Kahn plays a pivotal role in citrus breeding, evaluation, and diversity research, working closely with the Citrus Research Board and industry stakeholders. She facilitates research collaborations, authors publications on citrus varieties, and delivers educational presentations for both industry professionals and the public.

Beyond her research, Dr. Kahn is an Adjunct Professor who teaches Biology 30: Human Reproduction and Sexual Behavior, a widely attended course at UCR. She is also a recipient of the California Citrus Industry Award of Excellence for her contributions to citrus research and outreach.

Dr. Norm Ellstrand is a Distinguished Professor, Geneticist, and the Jane S. Johnson Endowed Chair in Food and Agriculture at the University of California, Riverside. He is also the Director of the California Agriculture & Food Enterprise (CAFÉ), an interdisciplinary research initiative addressing global agricultural challenges.

An expert in plant evolutionary genetics, Dr. Ellstrand’s research focuses on gene flow, hybridization, biotechnology risk assessment, and the evolution of invasiveness in plants. His work has contributed significantly to understanding how engineered genes escape into wild populations. He has published nearly 200 research articles and books, presented to U.S. Congressional staff and international scientists, and participated in National Research Council studies on transgenic plants.

Dr. Ellstrand has received numerous prestigious awards, including a Guggenheim Fellowship, a Fulbright Fellowship, and the Botanical Society of America’s Merit Award. He has mentored over 20 graduate students, many of whom have established careers in academia, industry, and the public sector.

Beyond research, Dr. Ellstrand is committed to science communication, teaching non-majors courses on the biology of food to highlight the importance of science in everyday life.

Dr. Ashraf El-Kereamy is the Director of the Lindcove Research & Extension Center and an Assistant Cooperative Extension Specialist in the Department of Botany and Plant Sciences at UC Riverside. His expertise lies in citrus and grape production, plant physiology, and abiotic stress tolerance, with a focus on enhancing crop resilience to drought and heat stress.

Dr. El-Kereamy has an extensive research background in grapevine physiology, molecular biology, and plant stress adaptation. Before joining UC Cooperative Extension, he conducted postdoctoral research in Canada and Egypt, investigating plant stress responses and genetic mechanisms for improving agricultural productivity. His work integrates applied research with extension efforts to support California’s citrus and viticulture industries, helping growers adopt sustainable and climate-resilient farming practices.

Dr. Hideaki Tsutsui is an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at UC Riverside, specializing in nano- and micro-scale engineering with bio-applications. His research focuses on low-cost diagnostic technologies, biosensors, and scalable stem cell culture systems.

Dr. Tsutsui's lab develops paper-based microfluidic devices for affordable medical and agricultural diagnostics, injectable chromatic nanosensors for in vivo pathogen detection, and portable nucleic acid extraction tools for rapid plant disease screening. Additionally, he explores fluidic-based mechanotransduction to enhance stem cell manufacturing for regenerative medicine. His work bridges mechanical engineering, biotechnology, and nanotechnology to create innovative solutions for healthcare, agriculture, and environmental applications.

Dr. Jonathan Kaplan is a Professor of Economics at Sacramento State University, specializing in the economic analysis of agricultural systems, environmental policy, and resource management. His research focuses on cost-effective strategies for citrus disease management, biochar and bokashi applications in sustainable agriculture, and the economic impacts of pest control and e-commerce on agricultural biosecurity.

Dr. Kaplan's work also includes economic assessments of water management, climate resilience, and regulatory impacts on California agriculture. His expertise bridges economics and sustainability, providing data-driven insights to improve agricultural productivity and environmental conservation.

Dr. Hill is developing a machine to improve safety, speed, and cost-effectiveness in processing samples, working with the CDFA to refine the design and seeking validation from USDA-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to include the machine in the approved protocol for processing citrus plant material

Amrita Mukherjee, M.S. is a Small Farms and Urban Agriculture Advisor with UC Cooperative Extension, serving San Bernardino, Riverside, Los Angeles, and Orange Counties. She specializes in sustainable cropping systems, controlled-environment agriculture (CEA), organic vegetable production, and integrated pest management (IPM). Her work supports small-scale and urban growers, optimizing production while conserving water and improving soil health. With experience at the International Rice Research Institute and UC Davis Horticulture Innovation Lab, she has led research on climate-resilient farming and nutrition-focused horticultural innovations. 

Hung Kim Doan, Ph.D. is a Small Farms and Specialty Crops Advisor with UC Cooperative Extension in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. With expertise in plant pathology, nutrient management, and vegetable and field crop disease management, he works to support small-scale farmers in improving crop health and productivity. Dr. Doan earned his Ph.D. and M.S. in Plant Pathology and B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from UC Davis. His research focuses on integrated pest management (IPM), soil health, and disease-resistant cropping systems, helping farmers implement sustainable and science-based agricultural practices.

Marco Gebiola, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor in the Department of Agraria at the University of Naples Federico II. His research spans insect systematics, taxonomy, evolutionary biology, biological control, and vector biology, with a strong focus on parasitic wasps and bacterial symbionts. Dr. Gebiola has contributed extensively to the understanding of insect-plant-pathogen interactions, particularly viruses transmitted by whiteflies and phloem-limited bacteria of the Candidatus Liberibacter genus. His work also explores the role of symbionts in insect reproduction, reproductive isolation, and phylogeography of parasitoids associated with invasive species. More recently, he has investigated the use of black soldier fly larvae to upcycle agricultural and food waste, producing frass with potential applications as organic fertilizer and biostimulant for plant health. Dr. Gebiola has held research positions at UC Riverside, the University of Arizona, and CNR-IPSP, and has published widely in entomology, microbiology, and sustainable agriculture.

Lillian McCandless is a High School Science Teacher at Riverside Unified School District, where she has been dedicated to STEM education for over 18 years. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from Utah State University and brings a strong foundation in scientific research and education. Passionate about engaging students in hands-on learning, she integrates technology and real-world applications into her teaching. With expertise in Microsoft Office, research methodologies, and curriculum development, she is committed to fostering critical thinking and scientific curiosity in her students.

Magali Lopez is a High School Teacher at North High School, Riverside Unified School District. Dedicated to student success and academic growth, she fosters an engaging and inclusive learning environment. Passionate about education and mentorship, she emphasizes critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world applications in her teaching. Through her commitment to student development, she inspires lifelong learning and achievement in her classroom.

Hector Magallanes is a dedicated educator and leader at the San Bernardino City Unified School District, serving as Special Education Department Chair, Business & Technology Pathway Lead, and Special Education Teacher. He leads the hydroponics program at San Andreas High School, a key part of the Growing Hope program, where students gain hands-on experience in agricultural technology and sustainable food production.

Hector is passionate about career exposure, helping students develop transferable skills in hydroponics, ag tech, and welding to prepare them for diverse industries. With a background in finance, business, and education, he bridges technical training with real-world applications, empowering students for success beyond the classroom.

Gregor Blaha, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of California, Riverside. His research focuses on the interplay between transcription and translation in prokaryotes, investigating how disruptions in this coupling contribute to genome instability. With a background in structural and functional analysis of the translational apparatus, Dr. Blaha has made significant contributions to understanding ribosome function, antibiotic interactions, and protein translation mechanisms. He earned his Ph.D. from the Vienna University of Technology and conducted postdoctoral research under Nobel Laureate Thomas Steitz at Yale University. His work integrates biophysics, crystallography, and molecular biology to explore fundamental questions in microbial gene expression and regulation.

Sherryl Anderson is the Co-Founder & CEO of Growing Hope Project, a female minority-owned small business dedicated to fostering economic development through sustainable living and life skills education. With a B.S. in Computer Information Systems and a Minor in Business from La Sierra University, she integrates technology, multimedia development, and systems integration to create engaging and inclusive programs that inspire communities.

Sherryl leads initiatives such as the USDA-funded Farm to School program, a hands-on, interactive six-week curriculum that introduces elementary and middle school students to Farm-to-Table concepts while exposing them to careers in the food systems ecosystem. Before launching Growing Hope Project, she spent over eight years in commercial banking, specializing in business development, employee training, and targeted marketing campaigns. Her work continues to bridge science, technology, and sustainable practices, empowering individuals and communities to thrive.