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
Graduate: Sustainable Agriculture
I work fulltime 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.”
The Farm Crew
MARIO FIERRO
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
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
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
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
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!
KATY AMADOR
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
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!
APOLONIO FLORES
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.
Kinesiology Major
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.