Collaborating Students


Zubair Barkat 2021-Present Sociology Ph.D. Student, Utah State University SFS Research Assistant a02365710@usu.edu	Surbhi Verma 2021-Present Masters Student, Utah State University SFS Research Assistant A02397947@usu.edu	Daniel Findlay 2022 Undergraduate Student, Utah State University SFS Research Assistant, STEAM Ambassador daniel.findlay@usu.edu	Jake Sanders 2022 Undergraduate Student, Utah State University SFS Research Assistant, STEAM Ambassador jake.sanders@usu.edu
Zubair is a sociology Ph.D. student focusing on Environment and Community. Currently, He is working with Dr.Jessica Schad on USDA funded Smart Foodscape project (www.usu.edu/smart-foodscapes). His research focuses on predicting the environmental and decision-making factors that are associated with the intentions of ranchers to adopt new practices and their relative importance. Before pursuing his doctoral studies, Zubair worked as a development researcher and his clients include implementing agencies like UK Aid, USAID, SDC, Care, Palladium, Swisscontact, Nathan Associates, SNV, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Winrock International, and BRAC. He earned a master’s in development studies from Brac university and an MSc in engineering from the University of Magdeburg-Germany. He wants to be a professor and/or a sociologist and/or a writer most days of the week. Outside of work, Zubair enjoys reading and listening to music. He misses his dogs and the smell of bread baking and coffee shops in Europe.	Miss Surbhi is a Graduate Research Assistant and Master’s student at Utah State University, working with Dr. Jennifer McAdam in the Department of Plants, Soils, and Climate. Her research addresses the reduced protein content in grasses during late summer, which is inadequate for the nutritional needs of beef cows and fetal development. She focuses on the developmental parameters of dormant seed species and the identification of beneficial secondary metabolites in forage plants, aiming to promote sustainable beef production through the deployment of protein-rich perennial legumes and forbs. With expertise in carbon and nitrogen metabolism and plant biochemistry, Miss Surbhi employs various biochemical techniques to analyze key metabolites in forage species. She believes that innovative experimental validation will enhance her research's value. Previously, she earned a 6-year honors BS degree with distinction in Agronomy, Genetics, and Soil Science from CCS-Haryana Agricultural University in India in 2022.	Daniel Findlay, is an Undergraduate Research Assistant, STEAM Ambassador. Anthropology Major, Theatre Minor. He works with Education Research Team members and teacher partners to integrate garden-based learning and smart foodscapes into STEAM teaching and learning. We work to conduct education research and support a comprehensive outreach program in schools and the community. Daniel is deeply engaged with sustainability and climate change. He hopes to pursue a career in applied environmental anthropology and work to increase social justice and environmental stability. He loves being out in nature and is always trying to get out for hikes, climbs, and camping.	Jake Sanders, is an Undergraduate Research Assistant, STEAM Ambassador. Chemistry Major. Works with th Education Research Team members and teacher partners to integrate garden-based learning and smart foodscapes into STEAM teaching and learning. Conducts education research and supports a comprehensive outreach program in schools and the community.

Bashiri Iddy Muzzo 2022-Present Ph.D. Student, Utah State University SFS Research Assistant iddy.muzzo@usu.edu	Horacio Pedro Blanchard 2022-Present Masters Student, Utah State University SFS Research Assistant h.blanchard@usu.edu	Tyler Black 2023 Undergraduate Student, Utah State University SFS Research Assistant A0253567@usu.edu	Claire Turpin 2023 High School Student, Ridgeline High School SFS Intern Research Assistant
Bashiri Iddy Muzzo is a PhD student in Wildland Resources at Utah State University. He earned his BSc in Range Management (2013) and MSc in Tropical Animal Production (2017) from Sokoine University. Notably, he was the top student in his class and the first to pursue a PhD in range science from Tanzania. Currently, he holds the Quinney Doctoral Fellowship and works as a research assistant on a USDA-NIFA-funded project focused on using forbs and legumes to enhance rangeland grazing systems. Iddy is passionate about the importance of rangelands for sustaining animals, people, and economies. His previous work with the Community for Environmental and Care Initiative (CECI) and as a research fellow at Sokoine University has aimed at improving natural resource sustainability in Tanzania. After completing his PhD, he plans to address livestock and wildlife habitat degradation, reduce pastoral conflicts, boost beef production and exports, and empower future generations with range management skills for a healthier planet.	My name is Horacio Pedro Blanchard. I was born in Azul, Buenos Aires, Argentina. I'm an Agronomy Engineer from the University of Buenos Aires. I am a new Master's student working for Dr. Juan Villalba. I'm going to oversee the Methane Analysis during this Smart Foodscapes project. I worked last year (2022) in this area while I was doing an internship for the Animal Nutrition Team with Nicolas Di Lorenzo for the University of Florida. I believe that nowadays these studies have become important for our society. We have become more aware of the climate change and the food that we are eating. With all the information (some bad information) that there is on the internet, we as professionals and researchers must provide or communicate information that is true, so we can all help to live a better way and in a better place. Also, I think that it is our job to provide different techniques or solutions for the ranchers and farmers out there, so they can do their part but, at the same time, keep a profitable business.	Tyler Black is an undergraduate Research Assistant, working under Dr. Juan Villalba as a Field Technician. His undergraduate studies in Biovetrinary Science has given him an interest in animal nutrition for livestock and domesticated pets. Tyler believes nutrition can greatly improve the livestock industry to support sustainability. Conducting studies like in this Smart Foodscapes project are the way forward to mitigating climate effects while keeping the industry profitable.	Claire is a senior at Ridgeline high school and after having taken an AP environmental science class, has become more passionate about sustainability. Being eager to learn, and passionate about the outdoors, she hopes to gain more experience with the Smart Food Scapes research position.

Austin Brodrero 2023-Present High School Student, Green Canyon High School SFS Intern Research Assistant	Sebastian Schreiber 2022-Present Ph.D. Student Utah State University Logan, Utah s.schreiber-pan@usu.edu	Manuel Varela 2024 Utah State University SFS Research Assistant	Tiago Retorto 2024 Utah State University SFS Research Assistant
Austin Bodrero is a high school student working as an intern with Dr. Villalba on the USDA Smart Foodscape project. His high school studies focus on agriculture science with the goal of becoming either a wildlife biologist or a career in wildlife management. He’s an active member of his school’s FFA having recently attended this year’s Denver Stock Show. He’s a current volunteer with Zootah and is looking forward to completing his Eagle Scout project there. In his spare time, he enjoys all things Mandalorian, Rubik’s cubing, VR gaming and helping out on his grandfather’s farm.	Sebastian Schreiber is a Ph.D. student majoring in Range Science. He is dual advised by Dr. Eric Thacker and Dr. Juan Villalba. He has B.S. (Natural Resouce Management) and M.S. (Animal Science) degrees from Angelo State University in Texas where he studied under Dr. Cody Scott, researching the effects of tannins on immune response in beef cattle. Sebastian has experience on working ranches in many states as well as with the NRCS and is excited to apply this background towards the Smart Foodscapes project. Sebastian's aspects of the project will include analyzing GPS collared cattle data for evidence of selection for prototype Smart Foodscape plots, measuring and documenting the successes and challenges associated with the many demonstration plots" being planted with the help of producers throughout the state of Utah, experimenting with the novel technology of virtual fencing in the context of Smart Foodscapes, and also a collaboration with Dr. Stephan Van Vliet on the epigenetic effects of the secondary compounds contained within Smart Foodscape plots, for which a grant proposal is currently in the works.	Manuel, 26, from Mercedes, Argentina, grew up on his parents' farm, sparking his passion for agriculture and nature. He pursued Agronomy Engineering at the National University of Luján, graduating in 2023. During university, he became an assistant in the Conservation of Agricultural Systems course and later joined his city’s Municipality Department of Agricultural Production. Driven by a desire to gain expertise in sustainable production, Manuel engaged in research projects, internships, and postgraduate courses. He recently joined the Smart Foodscapes project, seeing it as a crucial initiative for developing knowledge aimed at sustainable farming. He believes that agricultural systems must aim to balance ecological viability with economic profitability to ensure a prosperous planet for future generations.	Tiago Retorto, a 22-year-old Argentinean pursuing degrees in Agricultural Engineering at the National University of the Northwest Province of Buenos Aires and Agricultural Production at the University of Belgrano, brings a wealth of practical experience from a rural upbringing. His background includes hands-on work with Holstein cows in dairy farming and Hereford cattle in extensive beef production. Currently engaged in researching the environmental impact of livestock, Tiago focuses on methane emissions and carbon footprint, exploring the potential of tannins to reduce emissions in animal diets. His academic journey and practical insights drive his passion for sustainable agricultural practices, aiming to innovate solutions for environmental challenges in livestock production.

Colton Cann 2024 High School Student, Green Canyon High School SFS Intern Research Assistant
Colton is a dedicated high school student at Green Canyon High School, where he actively participates in concert band and contributes as a photographer and page layout designer for the yearbook. With hands-on experience at Milligan Farms, he successfully managed irrigation for over 50 acres of alfalfa, demonstrating strong work ethic and commitment to agricultural practices. Colton has also volunteered as a reading tutor for English language learners at Ellis Elementary and supported an equine therapy camp for girls, showcasing his passion for helping others and community engagement. He is eager to apply his skills and experiences in future endeavors.