Zubair Barkat 2021-Present
Sociology Ph.D. Student,
Utah State University
SFS Research Assistant
a02365710@usu.edu

Student Spotlight Interview

Surbhi Verma 2021-Present
Ph.D 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 successfully defended her masters thesis in the fall of 2024. She is now a Ph.D. student at Utah State University, working with Dr. Stephan Van Vliet in the Department of Nutrition, Dietetics & Food Sciences. Her masters 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.

Horacio Pedro Blanchard was born in Azul, Buenos Aires, Argentina. He is an Agronomy Engineer who graduated from the University of Buenos Aires. In the spring of 2025, he successfully defended his master's thesis while working under the supervision of Dr. Juan Villalba. During his graduate studies, Blanchard was responsible for overseeing Methane Analysis as part of the Smart Foodscapes project. In 2022, he gained experience in this area while completing an internship with the Animal Nutrition Team, led by Nicolas Di Lorenzo, at the University of Florida.

Blanchard believes that research in this field has become increasingly important for society, as there is growing awareness of climate change and the quality of food consumption. Given the abundance of information-both accurate and misleading-on the internet, he emphasizes the responsibility of professionals and researchers to provide and communicate truthful information to help improve quality of life and the environment. He also considers it essential for researchers to develop and share practical solutions and techniques with ranchers and farmers, enabling them to contribute to environmental goals while maintaining profitable businesses.

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 Foodscapes 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
s.schreiber-pan@usu.edu

Manuel Varela 2024
Utah State University
SFS Research Assistant

Tiago Retorto 2024
Utah State University
SFS Research Assistant

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 Resource 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

Michelle Parslow
PhD Graduate
Utah State University
Wahlquist Junior High Art and STEAM Teacher

Avery Merritt 2025
High School Student
Ridgeline High School
SFS Intern Research Assistant

William Olson 2025
High School Student
Mountain Crest 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.

Dr. Michelle Parslow is a veteran junior high educator in the public school system, with over 30 years of experience. She specializes in garden-based, integrated STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education, focusing on student engagement, real-world learning, and the development of students’ science and math identities and career interests in STEM fields.

Dr. Parslow collaborates with colleagues to create and share teacher-focused research on garden-based STEAM learning. She recently completed her PhD at Utah State University, with a dissertation examining how hands-on, garden-based STEAM curricula influence middle school students’ interest in STEM careers. As the garden manager at Wahlquist Junior High, she designs innovative, real-world learning experiences to help students build skills and confidence for the future.

Avery Merritt is passionate about animals of all sizes and aspires to become a zoo veterinarian, with plans to attend Utah State University for hands-on experience. She cares for a diverse group of pets, including a dog, a frog, a bearded dragon lizard, and a Greek tortoise called a greco. In addition, she keeps pet cockroaches and black beetles. Avery enjoys getting her hands dirty, spending time with her pets and family, and sharing interests with her younger brother—they love discussing science, playing music, and being together.

William Olson is an upcoming senior at Mountain Crest High School with a passion for environmental science and land management. Inspired by hands-on experiences working on a small farm and coursework in biology, botany, and nutrition, William is eager to deepen his knowledge through the Smart Foodscapes internship research position.

He aspires to a career in wildland or rangeland management, where he can combine his love for nature with his interests in science, management, economics, and politics. In his free time, William enjoys playing video games, photography, swimming, and hiking, always seeking new ways to explore and understand the world around him.

Sadie Waite 2025
Undergraduate Student,
Utah State University
SFS Research Assistant

Andrew Cheney
Undergraduate Student
Utah State University
SFS Research Assistant

Julián Mendiburu
Agricultural Engineer,
University of Buenos Aires
SFS Intern Research Assistant

Tatiana Bielsa
Undergraduate Student,
University of Buenos Aires
SFS Intern Research Assistant

Sadie Waite is a Field Technician with Dr. Juan Villalba. She has spent the past four years working on cow-calf operations throughout Wyoming, Utah, Texas, and Idaho. Her love for cattle and ranch life grew from long days spent on horseback and hands-on work in the field.

She is currently pursuing a degree in Bioveterinary Science, combining her passion for animal health with her background in livestock care. In her free time, Sadie enjoys spending time with her cat Mortimer, backpacking, playing the cello and piano, roping, and riding horses.

Andrew Cheney is an undergraduate student at Utah State University studying Ecology and Wildlife Management, working as a Field Technician for Dr. Juan J. Villalba. His background as an eagle scout reflects his deep-rooted commitment to outdoor leadership and stewardship.

Outside the classroom and fieldwork, Andrew volunteers with the Beaver Ecology & Relocation Center. He enjoys all things outdoors; hiking, camping, fishing, gardening, and also has a love for music. After completing his degree, he hopes to pursue a career in ecological restoration and wildlife management. Looking forward, Andrew seeks to continue engaging deeply with wildlife research and conservation, especially in exploring human-wildlife interactions.

Julián Mendiburu is a visiting scholar from Argentina. He holds a degree in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Buenos Aires and has a strong background in crop production and integrated crop-livestock systems.

Before joining USU, he worked at a mixed farming operation in the Argentine Pampas, where he played a key role in managing crop production, coordinating forage planning and grazing strategies, and supporting livestock management. His work focused on aligning productivity with practical, field-based decision-making in dynamic environments.

Tatiana is an undergraduate student in Agricultural Engineering at the University of Buenos Aires, driven by a deep interest in building food systems that are environmentally responsible and socially meaningful, especially for both producers and consumers. Through practical experience in crop and machinery management, she has developed a growing appreciation for teamwork, adaptability, and the value of clear communication—particularly when it comes to connecting what happens in the field with how food is understood and experienced in urban contexts.

Being part of the Smart Foodscapes Program represents a valuable opportunity to deepen her understanding of integrated crop-livestock systems and agroecological approaches. She is especially inspired by the project’s holistic perspective—combining research, education, and on-the-ground innovation to enhance biodiversity, improve beef production, and shape landscapes that are both ecologically functional and economically viable.

Prakriti Paudel 2025
Master's Student,
Utah State University
Plant Science

Prakriti is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Plant Science at Utah State University. She assists with research on plant adaptation and spatial analysis under the supervision of Dr. Jennifer MacAdam, focusing on identifying where various perennial legumes and forbs can thrive in sustainable rangeland grazing systems. She describes her work as using GIS to determine the total acreage of public and private grazing land in the northwestern U.S. where species identified in the Smart Foodscapes grant could be adapted for use in resource islands.

She completed her bachelor’s degree in agriculture, where she developed a strong interest in plant adaptation and sustainable farming. She has also gained practical experience working on projects related to forest restoration and crop science, which helped her build skills in GIS, remote sensing, and field research. Crops, in her view, represent more than just plants; they are the foundation of food security, community resilience, and the connection between people and the land. She aspires to be a researcher, a mapmaker, and a storyteller—sometimes all three. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring new landscapes, learning about plants, and imagining what resilient agriculture might look like in a changing climate.

Collaborating Scientists

Dr. Sebastian Legrange 2024
Researcher
National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), Argentina

Dr. Stephen Van Vliet 2024
Nutrition Scientist
Utah State University

Manuel Martinez 2025
Agricultural Engineer
University of Cordoba

Mariana Pedernera 2025-2026
Associate Professor, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences
Autonomous University of the State of Morelos (UAEM), Mexico

Dr. Sebastian Lagrange, a distinguished range scientist from Argentina, has joined our Smart Foodscape project as a visiting scholar. With a deep-rooted passion for sustainable livestock production, Dr. Lagrange brings a wealth of expertise to our team.

Hailing from the National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA) in Argentina, Dr. Lagrange's research has centered on harnessing the potential of tannin-rich legumes to improve livestock performance while reducing environmental impact. His previous work at Utah State University, where he earned his PhD in Range Science with a focus on Range Ruminant Nutrition, provides a strong foundation for his contributions to our project.

During his time at Richmond Research Farm, Dr. Lagrange will employ the SF6 technique to measure methane emissions from cows grazing meadow brome supplemented with condensed tannins. This research aims to demonstrate the efficacy of tannin supplementation in mitigating methane, a potent greenhouse gas, from ruminant livestock.

With over two decades of experience in ruminant nutrition and beef cattle production, Dr. Lagrange's insights will be instrumental in advancing our understanding of sustainable grazing systems. His proven track record in both research and extension will undoubtedly benefit our project and the broader agricultural community.

Dr. Stephan Van Vliet is a nutrition scientist with metabolomics expertise in NDFS. He earned his PhD in Kinesiology as an ESPEN Fellow from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and received training at the Washington University in St Louis School of Medicine and Duke University School of Medicine.

Dr. Van Vliet’s research is performed at the nexus of agricultural and human health. He routinely collaborates with farmers, ecologists, and agricultural scientists to study critical linkages between agricultural production methods, the nutrient density of food, and human health.

Manuel Martinez is an accomplished agricultural engineer and research
coordinator currently leading the INTA San Luis Research Area in Argentina. With extensive experience in animal production and sustainable agriculture, Martinez has played pivotal roles at the National Institute of Agrarian Technology (INTA) since 2013, progressing from a project participant in both San Luis and Santiago del Estero to group leader and, most recently, coordinator. His work and
collaborations have spanned animal nutrition, pasture management, livestock welfare, and the intersection of agriculture with environmental stewardship, and he has contributed substantially through peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and national conference presentations.

Martinez’s expertise includes animal welfare, pasture management, and
environmental impact in agriculture, reflected in his publications and
participation in national and international conferences. He holds an agricultural engineering degree from the National University of Cordoba and continues to advance innovations for sustainable livestock and forage systems.

Dr. Mariana Pedernera is a veterinary scientist trained at the National Autonomous University of Mexico and holds a PhD in Veterinary Sciences from the University of Sydney. Since 2012, she has served as an Associate Professor at the Autonomous University of the State of Morelos. Her areas of expertise include livestock behavior, reproduction, and production. She has extensive experience teaching undergraduate and graduate courses and mentoring students across all academic levels. Her mentorship includes supervision of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral research projects. one of which (a master’s thesis) received the State Research Merit Award for Best Thesis in Morelos, Mexico.

Her research portfolio includes 17 articles published in peer-reviewed international journals, along with book chapters, technical reports, and outreach publications. She is a member of Mexico’s National System of Researchers. Beyond her research activities, Dr. Pedernera contributes to academic leadership, curriculum development, professional training in teaching, and peer review for indexed scientific journals. She continues to supervise undergraduate and graduate research projects.