Azucena Sierra Garcia, a LAAS graduate student advised by Prof. Kyungsoo Yoo, is the recipient of the 2021 Soil and Water Conservation Scholarship. She was selected by the Soil Science Society of America in recognition of her academic achievements and her career and research experience in the fields of soil and water conservation.
A leader among indigenous women farmers, Sierra Garcia’s research focuses on the mountainous coffee-growing regions of Mexico. She is examining the relationship between soil health and coffee production, and she works to improve both the environmental and economic outcomes.
Sierra Garcia will be recognized at the annual SSSA meeting in November, held this year in Salt Lake City. The award includes a $3,500 stipend for the student, and an additional $500 award for the faculty mentor.