High school students who worked with UC mentors big winners in ag science fair

Nine Woodlake High School students took part in the UC Davis Agriscience fair research project competition, held at the campus March 2-3. Several who worked with UC Lindcove Research and Extension Center scientists took home winning ribbons.

"We are very proud that we played a part in making these students winners," said Beth Grafton-Cardwell, Lindcove director.

Lindcove has been conducting an ag science ‘experience research' day for Woodlake High School ag academy students the past three years. Last September, the students participated in a research project on citricola scale taught by Grafton-Cardwell. Students learned about experimental design, studied the life cycle of the insect using microscopes, collected leaves from a research plot, evaluated the survival of the scales exposed to different treatments, and plotted their data.  

"This was a great opportunity for students to see how science applies to agriculture and to talk about careers in agricultural science," Grafton-Cardwell said.

The Woodlake winners who were part of the program were Kirsten Killian and Nate Reeves. Kirsten was mentored by Lindcove staff research associate Therese Kapaun. Kirsten won first place in plant systems and fifth place overall. Nate Reeves took fifth place in plant systems. In addition, Woodlake High School won the overall novice Division 1 team award.

The students' teachers are Jason Ferreira, agriculture academy instructor, and teaching assistants Joshua Reger, Joel Leonard and Stephanie Doria.   

Woodlake High School student pose with Beth Grafton-Cardwell at the UC Lindcove Research and Extension Center near Exeter.

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