Three LAWR students awarded with distinctions from the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

As we wrap up the quarter we celebrate the achievements of our outstanding undergraduates Alicia Hans (Dean’s Circle Award), Ivan Martinez (Dean’s Circle Award) and Ameya Naik (College Medal) who are being honored for their academic excellence, distinctive leadership and community service. Congratulations to all!

Alicia Hans, a recipient of the Dean’s Circle Award, is graduating with a degree in environmental science and management, with an emphasis in soils and biogeochemistry. Hans is a UC Regents Scholar and has been a member of the University Honors Program since her first year at UC Davis. Since last spring, she has been working as a student research assistant in the Lazcano Soil Biodiversity and Health Lab studying how mycorrhizal fungi interact with soil biological properties and plant health parameters. After graduation, she plans to join the U.S. Forest Service in New Mexico as a soil scientist.

Ivan Martinez, a recipient of the Dean’s Circle Award, is graduating with a degree in sustainable agriculture and food systems and has been accepted to join the UC Davis Horticulture and Agronomy Graduate Group. During his studies, he developed a hydroponics system, which is a technique of growing plants using a water-based solution instead of soil, to experiment with nutrient deficiencies in cacao plants. That worked gave him the opportunity to work with Mars, Inc. on nutrient management in cacao plants. He has also spent time volunteering with Three Sisters Gardens, a local non-profit that provides fresh food to communities in need and offers farming workshops for kids.

Ameya Naik, who is graduating with degrees in both atmospheric science and computer science, is the recipient of the College Medal. During his time at UC Davis, Naik completed an independent study on the interaction between tornadoes and the terrain of the Sierra Nevada foothills. Naik enjoys storm chasing in his free time. He is currently an intern with the National Weather Service office in Hanford, CA where he documents and analyzes tornadoes. After graduation, he plans to attend the University of Oklahoma for graduate school to study tornadoes using doppler radar.

L-R) Gabrielle Basuki, Christopher Prajogo, Alicia Hans, Allie Larman, Academic Advisor Alina Bara, Ameya Naik, Stephanie Ha, Ivan Martinez, CA&ES Dean Helene Dillard, Indira D’Souza and Associate Dean of Undergraduate Academic Programs Sue Ebeler)
L-R) Gabrielle Basuki, Christopher Prajogo, Alicia Hans, Allie Larman, Academic Advisor Alina Bara, Ameya Naik, Stephanie Ha, Ivan Martinez, CA&ES Dean Helene Dillard, Indira D’Souza and Associate Dean of Undergraduate Academic Programs Sue Ebeler)