Blog #3 Meet Andy Hernandez

Andy is currently making his way through an undergraduate degree in environment engineering at UC Merced. He has worked alongside Dr. Naughton in her FEWS-US Lab, tracking and updating reported SARS CoV-2 cases in wastewater systems within various countries onto the COVIDPoops19 dashboard. Most recently he has participated in Dr.Ortiz’ FARMERS program which focuses in bridging the gap between local K-12 students and ag-related careers. Andy’s research interest include analyzing sustainable agroecosystems, food security systems, water, and energy using geospatial technologies.

Pre Departure Thoughts:

This research opportunity will mark many ‘firsts’ for me being that this is my very first trip outside of the North American continent. I really look forward to immersing myself with this experience and learning about the methods and techniques used to produce argan based products as well as the various cultures and customs surrounding the production of argon oil. I have some prior experience with French from coursework in college. This trip will hopefully allow me to apply what I’ve learned and perhaps even pickup some new phrases. I really look forward to meeting the rest of our team in Casablanca. From what I’ve seen and heard there are a lot of diverse and talented people accompanying us on this research journey.