Check Out What Our Grads are Up to...
Owen Hemming ‘18
District Conservationist for United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) - Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) where he manages field office staff, and projects for an entire county in California. He helps farmers and ranchers conserve natural resources for future generations and for the sustainability of the earth. He provides farmers with financial cost share programs to implement conservation practices and get conservation on the ground.
“Hydrogeology was not on my radar at all. I also had no idea there was a subject called soil physics. I’ve even studies oceanography. It was cool customizing my program in my junior and senior years. I explored as much as I did because of the hands-on learning opportunities and dedicated educators who inspired me to intern at the USDA NRCS. I’m proud to say that I am still with them today as a full-time District Conservationist.”
Brendy Orozco ‘19
Strawberry Production Ranch Manager at Reiter Brothers Inc. As a ranch manager, Brendy oversees 70 acres of strawberry production. Her responsibilities include supervising ground preparation, coordinating planting, scheduling fumigation, set up irrigation systems and manage irrigation during the season. She also leads nutrition, pest and disease control, and harvest related activities directing 90+ employees.
“The Plant Science Department members guided me through my journey as a Plant Science and Agricultural Science student. Professors were extremely helpful proving resources and information about the programs and scholarships offered. Professors, counselors, and other staff members went out their way to assure I had the support I needed as an undergrad. I was able to obtain a minor in Pest and Disease Management that provided basic knowledge I am now applying out in the farm. The program is a great opportunity that offers hands on experience to large-scale production agriculture. “
Luellen Swayzer ’15
Horticulture Professor at the Department of Horticulture, Fullerton College. Luellen’s faculty role encompasses a range of responsibilities aimed at providing quality education to students at one of the leading community college horticulture programs in California. She teaches turfgrass management, hydroponics, and introduction to horticulture courses. Her program provides ‘hands-on’ experience for students wishing to enter the ‘green industry’ and transfer to four-year California State Universities, University of California, and many private colleges and universities.
“The Center for Turf, Irrigation, and Landscape Technology (CTILT) became my second home, offering invaluable hands-on experiences, friendships, and fantastic professors that revolutionized my understanding of turfgrass and landscape management. The department's commitment to ‘learning by doing’ has instilled in me a strong work ethic. The Collegiate Turf Bowl, an annual competition in which I had the honor to participate, served as a crowning achievement during my time at CPP. The intense preparation, camaraderie, and friendly rivalry fostered a sense of community. These experiences have broadened my horizons and expanded my network.”
Aaron Thormodsen '21
Urban Farm Manager at Central Iowa Shelter and Services. He works hands on with unhoused individuals to grow food for the shelter and community using hydroponics and raised beds. This combines urban agriculture with social entrepreneurship by employing and rehousing folks while feeding and funding the shelter.
"Without the Plant Science Department, I would have never gone into agriculture. It was their willingness to listen to students, provide support and resources for projects, and allow myself and others to explore our passions that made the program special. The professors are passionate and want to teach you. It's a very student centric department, which is really unique."
Fabiola Perez ‘17
Global Product Planner – Planters at John Deere. As the Global Product Planner for planters, Fabiola is responsible for bringing deep knowledge of the customer, market, and industry to ensure the global planter portfolio is set up to deliver the maximum customer value and deliver on the planting vision.
“The Plant Science program at Cal Poly Pomona had a massive impact on my career and I have continued to leverage my experiences from my time at CPP to excel. The staff is committed to students’ success and are always offering opportunities for students to engage with the industry and capture incredible experiences. I was recruited to join John Deere after graduating and quickly learned my plant science degree was very versatile. My plant science education in addition to providing an agronomy background, also helped me understand customer and market needs and identify opportunities to help agriculturist around the world.”
Sean McLaughlin B.S. ’18, M.S. ‘21
Assistant Golf Course Superintendent at Brightview Golf Course Maintenance, Inc.. Sean manages two championship golf courses with over 650 acres of turf and 400 acres of surrounding landscape at Pacific Palms Resort in City of Industry, CA. He also helps oversee maintenance of a municipal golf course in the city of Bell Gardens, CA.
“The Plant Science program opened my mind to the endless opportunities that are available for students who are passionate about our industry today. The hands-on nature of the degree program ensures that every student that enters the workforce following graduation will have the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to make great strides in the industry. Through this program I traveled to 5 different states to compete in and then help coach the turf team, work on Super Bowl and NFL fields, travel for the PGA tour, and most importantly make lifelong connections with peers and mentors that contributed to my professional and educational success.”
Phuc (Kathy) Nguyen ‘20
Water Manager/Irrigation Designer at Arroyo Irrigation, Inc. As Water Manager of Aliso Viejo Community Association, Kathy oversees 190 irrigation controller devices to operate automatic sprinkler and drip irrigation systems in this Southern California Master Homeowners Association responsible for 21 parks and 600 acres of landscape. She provides irrigation design services to conserve water and lower clients’ water bills from commercial buildings to community master water meter plans.
“The Plant Science program offered me tremendous experiences and options to focus and excel. My greatest experience was participating with my team to win first place in the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America’s Collegiate Turf Bowl Competition. I found my passion for landscape water resource conservation and irrigation design technology at the Center for Turf, Irrigation, and Landscape Technology (CTILT) through learn-by-doing labs and my time as working there as a paid student assistant. The Plant Science program stands out with its strong curriculum, top-of-the-industry professors sharing up-to-date information, and endless hands-on opportunities!”
Lara Amiri Kazaz, B.S. ’19, M.S. ‘23
Ph.D. Graduate Student, Sustainable Integrated Pest Management, Colorado State University. For her doctorate, Lara will be working on developing sustainable pest management tactics for aphids and alfalfa mosaic virus in chili peppers.
“During my sophomore year, I discovered my interest in insects. I interned for several graduate students who were working on their own plant science research projects. After graduation, I obtained an MS in Agriculture with a plant science emphasis and worked in the arthropods and beekeeping laboratories.” Everything came full circle when Lara was tasked to teach the introductory insect class she once took herself — the opportunity certainly prepared her for her next academic step, which is a PhD at Colorado State University.
“I’ve always been interested in teaching, and I realized that since I finally pinpointed a topic that I enjoy, I would like to do some research of my own and remain in higher education.”
