2020 New faculty and cooperative extension specialists meet via zoom.

A Message From Dean Dillard: December 2020

  • by Helene Dillard

As we prepare to say goodbye to 2020, we want to share with you a few bright spots—images of our faculty, staff, students and friends of the college who have continued to support our efforts in spite of the challenges we’ve faced during the pandemic. Every day, we are privileged to work and learn with a remarkable and inspiring group of individuals who balance learning, research, teaching and service to the community, even in the face of extreme adversity. There is a reason our college is first in the nation, and it is because of you—your work, your dedication and your compassion and commitment to our mission. We want to thank the entire College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences community, and our friends and partners for staying connected with us virtually and being highly adaptable this past year. We are thankful for the innovative and creative ways we’ve found to remain united. Thank you for your contributions. May the holiday break bring you peace and joy, and that the coming year is full of optimism and good health.

Please scroll down to see our Year in Review photographs.

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A Message From the Dean
We kicked the New Year off with the official opening of our Noel-Nordfelt Animal Science Goat Dairy and Creamery on January 25. The facility is helping students model common animal husbandry issues facing production goat dairies. It also provides a space to process milk and to make cheese with state-of-the-art equipment.
A Year in Review
We kicked the New Year off with the official opening of our Noel-Nordfelt Animal Science Goat Dairy and Creamery on January 25. The facility is helping students model common animal husbandry issues facing production goat dairies. It also provides a space to process milk and to make cheese with state-of-the-art equipment.
Animal science professor Russ Hovey led a virtual faculty procession for the June 2020 graduating class in a most unusual way.
Animal science professor Russ Hovey led a virtual faculty procession for the June 2020 graduating class in a most unusual way.
Kayla Elmendorf, a viticulture and enology major, records grapevine bud burst on March 24 at a campus vineyard. She cancelled a spring break trip because of COVID-19 and went back to work.
Kayla Elmendorf, a viticulture and enology major, records grapevine bud burst on March 24 at a campus vineyard. She cancelled a spring break trip because of COVID-19 and went back to work.
Greg Anderson, an academic advisor in the dean’s office, celebrates with students after cleaning the Freeport Shores sports complex in Sacramento on February 29. Aggie Jump Start is a new CA&ES program to promote inclusive academic excellence and student success through community building, leadership and advising.
Greg Anderson, an academic advisor in the dean’s office, celebrates with students after cleaning the Freeport Shores sports complex in Sacramento on February 29. Aggie Jump Start is a new CA&ES program to promote inclusive academic excellence and student success through community building, leadership and advising.
On April 17 lead greenhouse manager Chris Durand waters strawberry plants to be donated after Picnic Day was cancelled. More than 6,000 strawberry and tomato plants were given away to the public and to essential UC Davis staff.
On April 17 lead greenhouse manager Chris Durand waters strawberry plants to be donated after Picnic Day was cancelled. More than 6,000 strawberry and tomato plants were given away to the public and to essential UC Davis staff.
Joanne Emerson, an assistant professor in the Department of Plant Pathology, takes soil samples from the UC McLaughlin Natural Reserve in Lake County on October 29. She studies the role that soil viruses play in natural systems, as well as agricultural areas like Russell Ranch at UC Davis.
Joanne Emerson, an assistant professor in the Department of Plant Pathology, takes soil samples from the UC McLaughlin Natural Reserve in Lake County on October 29. She studies the role that soil viruses play in natural systems, as well as agricultural areas like Russell Ranch at UC Davis.
Ken Early helped harvest produce at the Student Farm on March 19. He and other essential workers at the farm followed safe practices such as wearing masks, washing hands and keeping at least six feet apart. The Student Farm continued to harvest crops and to make them available to the community.
Ken Early helped harvest produce at the Student Farm. He and other essential workers at the farm followed safe practices such as wearing masks, washing hands and keeping at least six feet apart. The Student Farm continued to harvest crops and to make them available to the community.
Arbuckle rice farmer George Tibbitts, a UC Davis alumnus, is just as enthusiastic about supporting students through philanthropy as he is about the fall harvest. He established the Nancy Rupp Tibbitts Scholarship in honor of his late wife, a beloved mentor to generations of UC Davis students.
Arbuckle rice farmer George Tibbitts, a UC Davis alumnus, is just as enthusiastic about supporting students through philanthropy as he is about the fall harvest. He established the Nancy Rupp Tibbitts Scholarship in honor of his late wife, a beloved mentor to generations of UC Davis students.
Craig Miramontes, an animal science major and goat barn resident, takes care of the milking and processing of newborn goats on March 31, the second day of spring quarter. Online instruction became the order of the day last spring but nothing replaces the hands-on experience students like Craig get by working at the campus’ many animal science facilities.
Craig Miramontes, an animal science major and goat barn resident, takes care of the milking and processing of newborn goats on March 31, the second day of spring quarter. Online instruction became the order of the day last spring but nothing replaces the hands-on experience students like Craig get by working at the campus’ many animal science facilities.
Allison Ehrlich, assistant professor in the Department of Environmental Toxicology, works in her lab March 17. She studies potential links between diet, microbiome, chemical contaminants, drugs and other environmental factors associated with immune-mediated diseases such as diabetes.
Allison Ehrlich, assistant professor in the Department of Environmental Toxicology, works in her lab March 17. She studies potential links between diet, microbiome, chemical contaminants, drugs and other environmental factors associated with immune-mediated diseases such as diabetes.
In July, winners of the Iron Brew competition in food science’s practical malting and brewing course got some hands-on experience brewing, canning and distributing a small commercial batch at Sudwerk Brewery in Davis. Food science major Charles Thudium was part of the winning team.
In July, winners of the Iron Brew competition in food science’s practical malting and brewing course got some hands-on experience brewing, canning and distributing a small commercial batch at Sudwerk Brewery in Davis. Food science major Charles Thudium was part of the winning team.
Staff Research Associate Bernardo Niño checks on bee colonies March 19 at the Harry H. Laidlaw Jr. Honey Bee Research Facility on Bee Biology Road. It is the largest and most comprehensive state-supported apiculture facility in North America and the only one in California.
Staff Research Associate Bernardo Niño checks on bee colonies March 19 at the Harry H. Laidlaw Jr. Honey Bee Research Facility on Bee Biology Road. It is the largest and most comprehensive state-supported apiculture facility in North America and the only one in California.
Members of the CA&ES faculty participate in a Zoom message for graduating students June 10. The COVID-19 restrictions have certainly had a big impact on the way we operate, but not on the enthusiasm and dedication of our faculty and students. We hope to send off our graduating students in the traditional manner at a commencement soon!
Members of the CA&ES faculty participate in a Zoom message for graduating students June 10. The COVID-19 restrictions have certainly had a big impact on the way we operate, but not on the enthusiasm and dedication of our faculty and students. We hope to send off our graduating students in the traditional manner at a commencement soon!
The College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences was the first to step up in the early stages of the pandemic with donations of vital supplies to UC Davis Health, including 2,400 face masks, 700 N95 respirators, 200 isolation gowns, 57,000 gloves, as well as aprons, goggles and coveralls. Pictured with a load of supplies are Felix Landeros (left) and Britt Ramsey of the UC Davis Supply Chain Management.
The College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences was the first to step up in the early stages of the pandemic with donations of vital supplies to UC Davis Health, including 2,400 face masks, 700 N95 respirators, 200 isolation gowns, 57,000 gloves, as well as aprons, goggles and coveralls. Pictured with a load of supplies are Felix Landeros (left) and Britt Ramsey of the UC Davis Supply Chain Management.
Advising went virtual this year. Lili Bynes and Co Hawes of Undergraduate Academic Programs along with several other advisors stayed connected with students through monthly emails, Zoom videos and virtual events.
Advising went virtual this year. Lili Bynes and Co Hawes of Undergraduate Academic Programs along with several other advisors stayed connected with students through monthly emails, Zoom videos and virtual events.
Clare Cannon, an assistant professor in the Department of Human Ecology, is among many CA&ES faculty members working to support disadvantaged communities during the pandemic. Her research has documented how people are coping with lockdowns, unemployment and stress.
Clare Cannon, an assistant professor in the Department of Human Ecology, is among many CA&ES faculty members working to support disadvantaged communities during the pandemic. Her research has documented how people are coping with lockdowns, unemployment and stress.