SUMMER 2023

Ashmi Dagar

Hi! My name is Ashmi Dagar and I am a senior majoring in Agricultural Science here at NCSU. This past summer, I had the opportunity to visit Valencia, Spain to work as a research intern for Universitat Politècnica de València under their sustainable agriculture department. Throughout
the course of the summer, I worked under Dr. Lola Raigón, an established and notable agricultural engineer, specializing in the agricultural sustainability sector. We focused on the effects of sustainable agriculture on almond commodities and how the use of these farming
practices can affect nutritional qualities of almonds. I was also able to assist Dr. Raigón to deliver a lecture on sustainable agricultural practices, focusing on the importance of sustainable farming methods in the context of agricultural commodities. To provide a practical demonstration, we took the students on a field trip to an avocado farm that exemplified the use of cow manure as a sustainable farming practice. My time in Valencia has not only deepened my understanding of sustainable agricultural practices but has also enriched my cultural experiences, allowing me to immerse myself in the vibrant Spanish way of life. I had the privilege of collaborating with esteemed researchers, dedicated faculty members, and passionate graduate students who share a common goal of transforming the agricultural landscape towards a more sustainable and ecologically balanced future.