Plant Science Student Spotlight: Donald E. Williams III

Visalia resident Donald E. Williams III hasn't let the physical distance between his Fresno State classes & internship at the UC Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center hold him back from finishing his plant science degree in four semesters this fall.

Working with tree physiology experts at the Parlier research facility, he has gained vital, hands-on experience with lab techniques and data analysis tied to several orchard physiology studies.

He has also worked on campus with faculty entomologist Dr. Jacob Wenger on a study of the leaffooted bug, which has become an increasing problem in crops like pistachio, almonds and pomegranates. They're analyzing the gut content to hopefully better understand its migration patterns based on its feeding habits.  

Read more about the first-generation college student, who sported a 3.75 GPA entering the fall (after transferring from the College of the Sequoias) in this recent interview. 

 

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

"I chose plant science because I wanted to pursue a career in agriculture, and I had received a plant science skill certificate from the College of the Sequoias. In my first year there, I was really enjoyed what I was learning (and was selected as its outstanding student in 2017-18), so I decided to further my education and pursue a BS degree. I chose Fresno State because many of my professors at the College of the Sequoias were alumni. Their guidance and encouragement, coupled with the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology’s outstanding reputation, made me excited to become a Bulldog." 

 

Q: What part of the Central Valley are you from originally?

"I was born and raised in the southern half of the San Joaquin Valley in Kern, Fresno, Tulare and Kings Counties. I was born in Bakersfield, and I have also lived in Fresno and Kettleman City. I consider Visalia, my hometown."

 

Q: Which classes and faculty members have had the biggest impact on you at Fresno State?

"All of the plant science classes I have taken have had a significant influence on me. The faculty were able to make the classes challenging and informative yet enjoyable. The courses that stood out to me included economic entomology, soil science, weed science, plant pathology, and integrated pest management (IPM). Dr. Benes, Dr. Wenger, Dr. Shretha, and Dr. Ellis are excellent professors who have taught me a lot and gained a great deal of my respect. IPM was probably my favorite class, mainly because I learned how to implement all of the pest control tactics I studied at COS and FS into an integrated pest management system. I also did an ag internship under Dr. Bushoven to fulfill graduation requirements." 

 

Q: Have you been involved with research on campus, and how will it benefit your career path?

"I have been working at the Jordan Agricultural Research Center on an undergraduate research project under Dr. Wenger that I started at the beginning of the 2022 fall semester. My responsibilities include insect dissection, extracting DNA, and running PCR and electrophoresis tests on the extracted DNA. The lab techniques I am learning will help me in an agricultural research career." 

Q: Give us a little more background on the research an dits potential impact.

"The undergraduate research project is called “Molecular Gut Content Analysis of Leaffooted Bug.” In recent years, this insect pest has become an increasing problem in crops like pistachio, almond, and pomegranates. The main challenge in managing this pest is that it is hard to predict when it will turn up, and which orchards it will target. We really don’t even know what plants it is feeding on outside of the orchards, which makes it hard to know where it will migrate from. The idea behind this project is that if we can extract and amplify the plant DNA found in the insect's gut, we can then identify the plants that the insect was eating before it migrated into the orchard. This knowledge could help pest control advisors better scout for these pests by searching these known host plants, and may even help control these pests if the host plants can be removed from the areas around the field."

 

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

"My background in agriculture was minimal before going to college. In middle school, my family and I moved onto a horse ranch in Visalia, where I quickly became a ranchhand and learned the ins and outs of farming and horses. My mentor/boss and landlord, Jim Putnam, was well-known for his car dealership, Putnam Windh, in Visalia, Ca, before he sold it to Groppetti Automotive." 

 

Q: Describe any internships you've done while at Fresno State, and how it has prepared you for your career path.

"I have been an intern at Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center (KARE) in Parlier. My supervisor is Louise Ferguson, and I work in Giulia Marino’s Lab.  Her research investigates tree physiology and its application to enhance productivity, sustainability, and competitiveness of fruit orchard production systems in a changing global scenario. The crops we work with include pistachios, almonds, cherries and olives. I started in June of 2022, and my responsibilities included conducting sampling of soil, leaf, and fruit clusters. I have also gathered physiological and soil measurements such as stem water potential, Li-COR, trunk circumference and EM38 soil conductance. The job also involves a lot of sample processing and testing. The skills I’m learning at the KARE facility will help me gain research experience, understand what a research job is like, and what types of research are being done in California."

 

Q: Have you been a part of any other clubs/organizations?

"I was a part of the Ornamental Horticulture Club in community college, where I served as the Vice President (2017-2018)."

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

"I have not received any scholarships, but I did receive an undergraduate research project grant under Dr. Wenger." 

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

"Financial struggles, paying for college, and room and board. Also adjusting to going back to college after taking nine years off since I graduated high school in 2008 and went back to college in 2017. I couldn’t afford college until I was considered independent at 24 and could qualify for financial aid and the Cal Grant." 

 

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

"(At Fresno State) I have received President's List honors twice, and Dean’s list once and am hoping to get make one more President's List this fall. ...   I commute from Visalia every day, and sometimes ride the V-Line bus instead of driving. ... I am a Fresno State Bulldogs football fan, and I love my grandma." 

Q: What's your potential next career step?

"I am not fully decided, and I would like to continue gaining experience in the agricultural research field. I also plan to pursue a master's degree to help my chances of possibly becoming a full-time researcher, farm advisor, plant science professor, or even an ag commissioner. Plant science students have many career options to choose from. However, I believe a Ph.D. is required for an ag commissioner or associate professor."