Established in 1992, Professors for the Future (PFTF) is a year-long competitive fellowship program designed to recognize and develop the leadership skills of outstanding graduate students and postdoctoral scholars who have demonstrated their commitment to professionalism, integrity, and academic service. The program is designed to prepare UC Davis doctoral students and postdoctoral scholars for an increasingly competitive marketplace and a rapidly changing university environment.

Noely is a PhD Candidate in the Soils and Biogeochemistry graduate group studying soil health in wine grape production at the Lab of Professor Cristina Lazcano. Noely’s thesis proposes an innovative integration of social and soil science, to evaluate winegrape growers’ perceptions of soil health, and assess the role of soil biota in supporting soil health.