JESICA CALDERON, Global Disease Biology, Senior, 2021

Undergraduate Faculty Mentor:  Dr. Cassandra Swett

Three words to describe me: Adventurous, affable, and dependable.

What are your future plans and/or goals?

I plan on pursing a PhD and I hope be able to continue or do something similar to my current research.

In what ways has engaging in undergraduate research impacted your future goals and plans?

I come from a rural farming community and I am also a first-generation college student. So I was never exposed to research before attending UC Davis. As a result, I thought if you wanted to pursue a career in research you would have to sit at a bench all day pipetting. This may be true in some cases. However, the field of research is broad and there is so much more involved than just bench work. Since joining a lab I have been exposed to fields of research I previously did not know existed. I have been able to conduct different types of research such as fieldwork, greenhouse work, and wet lab work. If I didn’t engage in undergrad research, I still would have misconceptions regarding research. By engaging in research, I have come to love everything about it and now I wish to pursue a career as a research scientist.

What contribution(s) will your research make to your field of study?

I am conducting research to determine if sclerotinia minor is an emergent pathogen of concern in ornamental flowers in California. Sclerotinia minor is a fungal pathogen that can colonize a large range of hosts. However, it is not known to colonize ornamental flowers. California ranks number one in the USA in floriculture sales and generates millions in sales. Sclerotinia minor can cause devastating crop loss. So, if it is able to colonize ornamental flowers it can result in major economic loss. By determining if sclerotinia minor is a new pathogen of concern we can advise growers and farm advisors so they can scout for this new pathogen. In addition, we can start developing prevention and management strategies.

What preparation and research experience did you have before applying to your research program?

Other than lab work associated with general chemistry and biology classes I did not have any experience before applying to my current research position.

Personal achievements/accomplishments or other news and information:

I am a member and former public relations officer for my local Toastmasters International club. I enjoy public speaking and I have received a competent communicator award.

What advice do you have for other undergraduate students seeking research experiences?

Get out of your comfort zone. College can at times be intimidating but there are so many opportunities available to you just because you are a college student. If you want to get involved research, go for it. You may think you are not qualified enough, or you will never get the position. But do not let that hold you back you never know unless you try.

Jesica has this to say about the CAMP program:
"By participating in CAMP, I have been exposed to so many opportunities and programs such as the IIFH summer program, graduate workshops, and various networking opportunities. If I was not a CAMP scholar I would have most likely not been aware of all these amazing opportunities. CAMP has not only positively impacted my academics but also my personal life. Participating in CAMP has helped increase my self-confidence and my ability to become a competent and effective researcher."

What else would you like us to know about you?

During my free time I enjoy traveling, reading, painting, and playing the cello.