Name: Tony Orozco
Class Level: Graduating Senior
Major: Soil & Water Science

Why did you select this major? I’ve always been interested in the environment and have a good agricultural background.

Favorite course(s) and why? Soil Science 120 (Soil Genesis, Morphology and Classificaion), 220 (Advanced Pedology), and Hydrology 134 (Aqueous Geochemistry). They were all challenging and interesting to the point where they’ve encouraged me to pursue a further, and better, understanding of the material after the class. The instructors, Dr. Southard and Dr. Hernes are also very good and their dedication to our learning still leaves me in awe.

Best college experience so far? My best college experiences have unquestionably been at my fraternity, Alpha Gamma Rho. As far as classes are concerned; they were during the Soil Science 105 summer field course. It was nice having Dr. Singer make us breakfast and having Dr. Southard share his ideas about separating wines by the segment of the hill slope sequence where the grapes were grown.

Extra-curricular activities? In my time here I’ve been involved with Ag Science Field Day, Aggie Ambassadors, Alpha Gamma Rho, and my old high school youth group on house building trips to Mexico during spring breaks. I also worked at Boreal ski resort for four years, the ARC, and have been working for the LAWR Cooperate Extension soils specialist, Dr. O’Geen, here in LAWR, for the past year.

Your advice to new students in this major? Get to know the faculty of the department and get a lab job if possible. The exposure you get can really change your perspective on school and teach you to truly appreciate science.

What are your long-term goals and how do they relate to this major? I would like to understand soils to the point where I can be a useful resource to underprivileged communities with soil fertility or pollution problems. I don’t really care about making lots of money. Although those who know me don’t like the idea, I would love to work in the Middle East because there’s little question the help is needed and that there are few people even willing to consider it.

Do you have any additional comments regarding your experience as an LAWR student?
To me, LAWR has been like its own mini UC Davis. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know and work with many of the faculty. They inspire me to be a harder and smarter worker.