Our Team — UTRGV AGROECOLOGY

Meet Our Team!

Our team is made up of passionate, driven individuals who bring diverse skills and perspectives to everything we do. Together, we’re committed to the cultivation of knowledge in agriculture and sustainability within our community. Get to know the people behind our success.

Team Director

**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.

The Farm Crew

**MARIA GONZALEZ (She/Her)**
***Agroecology Program Coordinator***
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!

**MARIO FIERRO (He/Him)**
***Agroecology Program Coordinator / M.S. Public Affairs***
Mario assists the program in strengthening outreach with internal and external partners, developing curriculum, and delivering bilingual trainings across the Rio Grande Valley. His work includes budget planning, supporting student development, and coordination applied learning opportunities. Current projects focus on assisting with publishing research and gathering field data to advance sustainable agriculture and conservation practices in the region.

**KATY AMADOR (She/Her)**
***Program Specialist / B.S. Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems from UTRGV***
I assist with the farm and garden upkeep, education, and supervision. My primary focus is on crop planning, organic certification organization, and behind-the-scenes work with our program coordinator to keep the farm up and running. Growing and learning with my team is a wonderful experience!

**BIANCA NUNEZ (She/They)**
***Greenhouse Manager / Undergraduate: Environmental Science***
I currently work on garden and farm maintenance, and I enjoy learning new practical skills everyday..

**Mikaela Martinez (She/Her)**
**Undergraduate: Double Major: Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems/Studio Art with a concentration in Ceramics**
Mikaela is a student employee who started working with the program in October of 2023 as the campus community garden coordinator and after gaining some experience and practice, currently works on comanaging the campus agroecology garden. She is excited about getting everything up and running for this season with the team, filling her new position as best she can, gaining new leadership skills, and seeing how the garden will continue to take shape!

**Serenity Ross (She/Her)**
**Garden Coordinator / Undergraduate: Environmental Science**
I manage the community garden at the hub of prosperity! My favorite part about this is seeing how excited members are to grow their gardens and build community / share knowledge with one another. I helped them set up their beds and now i get to watch them and their plants grow throughout their garden journey

**Jose Trevino (He/Him)**
**Farm Assistant / Undergraduate: Mechanical Engineering**
I’m a student farm assistant at UTRGV Agroecology, an engineer fueled by bettering the environment. I’m really interested in seeing how the different types of mechanical advantages that can be applied in agriculture. Nevertheless beyond the garden, I’m glad to have a wonderful team teaching me many new things on the way.

**ALI RAMOS (They/Them)**
*Undergraduate*: Environmental Science (Interdisciplinary Concentration)
Ali has been growing with the UTRGV agroecology program for 2 years. They have managed the Hub community garden and are currently co-managing the UTRGV Organic Garden on campus. They have enjoyed being part of creating a safe and inviting green space for students on campus, as well as, helping strengthen our outreach and community fridge initiative! They hope to keep cultivating both community and vegetables to anyone who needs them.

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

— Thomas Jefferson

**Desiderio Romero**
**Program Specialist**
Outstanding in his field. Working on Conservation Innovation Trials.

“Farming is a profession of hope.” - Brett Brian

**Sofia Mejia (She/They)**
**Program Assistant / Undergraduate: Environmental Science**
As the Student Program Assistant for the UTRGV Agroecology Program, I help manage and update our website and social media platforms, while also supporting the team with a variety of tasks at both the Campus Community Garden and the Hub of Prosperity. I have a background in plant science and floral design, holding certificates in both fields. I'm grateful to be part of a team dedicated to growing knowledge, practicing sustainability, and striving to positively impacting the community!

“ Agriculture is now as it always has been, the basis of civilization.” - Theodore Roosevelt

***JOEL ALANIZ Jr. (He/Him)***
***Farm Assistant / Kinesiology (Coaching Concentration)***
Joel joined the Agroecology team in January 2024 and currently works part-time at the Hub of Prosperity and UTRGV Campus Garden. A South Texas native with a ranching background, he brings a strong passion for hands-on land work and sustainable farming. Joel is on track to become a full-time member and continues to support everything from field prep to organic certification.

**JULIETE GONZALEZ (She/Her)**
***Graduate Student: Agriculture, Environmental Science, and Sustainability Sciences***
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!

**Vitoria Cantu (She/Her)**
**Garden Manager / Undergraduate: Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems**
I am currently an undergraduate junior, and I am the campus community garden manager- helping our members keep their garden beds productive, and enabling them to grow fresh food for themselves, their family, and their friends. and I also work at the Hub, tending to our plots and tasks along with the team!

**Sophia Alvarado (She/Her)**
**Farm Assistant/ Undergraduate: Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems**
I am an undergraduate senior at UTRGV majoring in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems. I work at the Hub of Prosperity and UTRGV community garden as a student assistant/worker.

Past Employees

We’re proud to recognize the talented individuals who have contributed to our journey. Each past team member played a valuable role in shaping our mission, culture, and success. Though they've moved on to new opportunities, their impact remains part of our foundation. We’re grateful for their dedication and wish them continued success in all their future endeavors.

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