Plant Science Student Spotlight: Victoria B. De Leon

Happy Mother’s Day to the countless Fresno State students like Victoria De Leon who selflessly put their families’ needs before their own.

The plant science graduate student waited until her son received his doctoral degree (fellow #FresnoStateAlum Alberto Leopoldo Aguilera) before she started to amass one of the most prolific academic resumes among our students. Besides receiving undergraduate degrees in both animal sciences and agricultural education (and a HACCP certificate), she worked as a single mom in supervisory roles in the poultry, dairy and food industries to support her son and her mother.

Her college path began with three associate agricultural degrees at Modesto Junior College before she transferred to the Jordan College in 2017. Since then, she has also been active in an assortment of campus clubs  and professional organizations tied to academic excellence, community involvement and minority student support.

As a graduate student, she has focused on research with Dr. Ranjit Riar on alfalfa’s potential to grow in soils that have higher saline conditions (which many Central Valley farmers face and have limited set of commodities to choose from).

Read more about her moving journey and dedication to all phases of agriculture in this recent interview.

 

Q: What do you consider your hometown and /or where are you a native of?

“I was born in Gilroy, CA., and my current hometown is Turlock, CA.” 

Q: Why did you choose to attend Fresno State, and how did you pick your major?

“Fresno State’s agricultural program was interesting because of its hands-on experience. The opportunity to work in research trials that will, in one way or another, seek solutions that are currently affecting production and yield in various agricultural commodities was attractive. I transferred from Modesto Junior College in the Fall 2017 after achieving three A.S Degrees in Animal Science, Dairy Science, Agricultural Science, and a Certificate in Artificial Insemination into the Animal Science Teachers Prep program. I then moved into Animal Science - Livestock Management and Production option and graduated in 2021 with a double major; B.S. in Animal Science Livestock Management and Production option, and B.S. in Agricultural Education Teacher's Prep option, and a Certificate in HACCP. I’m currently in the Plant Science Master’s Program.”

 

Q: When do you intend to graduate?

“The master's program, if all goes well, will be completed in Spring 2023. If the thesis is incomplete by the Spring 2023 semester, we will plan from Summer to Fall 2023.”

 

Q: Did you have any other family members graduate or attend Fresno State?

“My son, Dr. Alberto Leopoldo Aguilera, graduated Summa cum Laude from Fresno State with a B.S. degree in public health and then continued to UC Davis, where he did his M.S. and his Ph.D.”  

 

Q: Which classes & faculty members have had the biggest influence on you while at Fresno State?

“Before my current degree, Dr. Steven Rocca while I was in the ag education program and Dr. Kyle Thompson and his knowledge in dairy science. Many professors have been significant in plant science. Dr. Sharon Benes and her knowledge of soil and its different issues. Dr. Dave Goorahoo and his knowledge of the nitrogen cycle and how plants use and produce nitrogen. Dr. Ranjit Riar is currently my advisor, and his expertise in forages is essential to all livestock production. Dr. Florence Cassel Sharma and her knowledge in laboratory techniques and how to use analytical equipment has been invaluable. Dr. Anil Shrestha has been a mentor and role model, and his belief in agroecology and the future benefits of this practice in agriculture have interested me since I had my first class with him. Dr. Bushoven has been an inspiration as well with his patience and kindness he gives while listening to us all. Although we may not always be correct, just having him hear us and give us a solution to our ‘concerns,’ he is truly a beacon of light that guides us through rough times.”  

Q: Talk about any campus farm units you have worked at.

“I have been unable to work on our campus farm except for assignments we had to do. I helped in the swine unit while conducting a growth trial.”

 

Q: How have you been involved with research on campus?

“In spring 2021, I ran the first full alfalfa salinity evaluation trial from April until November and was admitted into the graduate program in fall 2021. I conducted germination trials before the alfalfa salinity evaluation 2022 initiation in April until November 2022, and I continued to conduct after. This study will be important for my future as an agricultural consultant or for advancement to a Ph.D.” 

Q: Describe the research and issues it is addressing.

“The research is focused on evaluating two new varieties of salt-tolerant alfalfa. This trial will benefit growers and commercial producers who may have pre-existing saline soils or may irrigate with water with high saline content. The seeds were grown in pots and then transferred into five-gallon pots. After establishment, we initiated the saline treatments to see its stand reaction. The solution applied was five saline treatments (0.5, 5, 10, 15, and 20 dS/m). We installed a recirculating system where the leachate would return to 100 gallon sunken tanks to use gravity to return leachate to tanks. Weekly electrical conductivity (EC) readings were taken to check the saline level in the tanks. Top and bottom soil readings to identify where the salt was in the soil medium. As the graduate research assistant, all data collecting and analysis are part of the functions and responsibilities that must be completed.”

“I have been fortunate to count on the support of Dr. Anil Shrestha and his data analysis expertise in programs such as SAS, Sygma Plot, and RStudio. His knowledge for me has been crucial in verifying my analysis and correcting any errors in the data analyzed—this is why he is a member of my graduate committee.”

Q: What was your background in agriculture before you started at Fresno State ?

“My family has always been involved in agriculture. Our family has raised hogs and dairy cows and grew our forage crops. Outside of agriculture, I have worked as a quality assurance supervisor in a cheese processing plant; R&D technician and production supervisor in a poultry processing company (Zacky Farms-Stockton); sanitation supervisor in a poultry slaughter plant; quality Control Supervisor for a food processor (Ruiz Foods); and dairy manager (Avi-Lanche Jerseys) in Dalhart, Texas."

 

Q: Are you a part of any other clubs/organizations at Fresno State, and  involved in any noteworthy activities or competitions?

“I initiated a Fresno State chapter of the Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resource and Related Sciences (MANRRS) national organization in 2019 and served as President from 2020-2021. I also initiated a Fresno State Club UEA-ASU focused on minority students, and am an active member of California Women in Agriculture, American Society of Agronomy and Alpha Zeta Cal Epsilon. I have participated in a presentation via a poster at the 43rd Annual ASA, SSSA, and CSSA Conference. I also participated in a poster and lightning research talk at the World Alfalfa Conference in November.” 

 

Q: Have you received any scholarships related to campus, the Jordan College or Ag One?  

“I have been awarded various scholarships and appreciate how Ag One recognizes all our student efforts. The PRSCA grant to continue my research was among the most important.”

 

Q: Have you overcome any challenges to get where you are today that have shaped who you are?

“When I came to Dog Days at Fresno State in 2017, I attended two weeks after my third surgery on my left ankle to remove small tumors due to a condition called PVNRS - Polyvilli nodular syndrome. Three screws were placed in my ankle to fuse two bones they had to ground down since they were affected by the disease. I promised myself not to let this or other afflictions let it get me down. Another challenge for me is a degenerative disease in my cervical bones in my neck and lower back arthritis. I have dealt with all these medical issues and continued to press on so I can achieve my goals.”

 

Q: Are there any other interesting notes about yourself that you would like to include?

“I did not have the opportunity to complete my education at a younger age because I was a single parent that had to work hard to support my son, mom and baby sister. In 2014, my son encouraged me to start school at Modesto Junior College and take some classes. He then asked me what I would do with my life once I was close to graduating there; this was in 2015 when my son completed his Ph.D. at UC Davis in Nutritional Biology. I said I would see what when the time came. One day he challenged me to transfer to Fresno State as he said, 'There is a great agriculture program that I am sure you will like.' He was right. I know that at my age and with my health issues, I hope my achievements can inspire other students to reach their goals. Never underestimate what you are capable of achieving, and never think that you cannot continue advancing to better career possibilities. If you believe in yourself, the only limiting factor would is yourself.” 

 

Q: What's your potential next career step(s), and what field and / or company would you like to work for after graduation?

“My next goal is a Ph.D. in plant breeding. I am looking into completing this goal through a program that Texas A&M University has that I can complete without leaving Fresno State. I enjoy working in laboratory setups and doing laboratory jobs. I enjoy when you find or think you answered one question, you encounter a new question arising from your research. In general, finding answers to issues currently affecting agriculture and society is very satisfying.”