CALES's research strength on display at 2025 Discovery & Innovation Awards
Research excellence is a core value for the College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences (CALES). The recipients of the 2025 Discovery and Innovation Awards showcase our college’s focus on solving some of the most challenging problems associated with the long-term sustainability of biological, physical and economic resources in the Southwest, as well as the health and wellness of its people.
Outstanding Team in Research Award
Southwest Environmental Pathogen Produce Safety Study
Channa Rock, Department of Environmental Sciences | Kerry Cooper, School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences | Ban Saber, Department of Environmental Sciences | Teresa Reyes, Department of Environmental Sciences | Natalie Brassill, Department of Environmental Sciences | Dalton Zingali, Department of Environmental Sciences | Jacob Castro, Department of Environmental Sciences | Hannah Crean, Department of Environmental Sciences | Victoria Obergh, School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences
The Southwest Environmental Pathogen Produce Safety Study represents an extensive, scientifically diverse team who pioneered a “first-of-its-kind” effort by a university and the Food and Drug Administration to document the sources of one of the largest foodborne E. coli outbreaks in history and provided solutions to prevent outbreaks in the future. The team conducted the single largest longitudinal environmental microbiology study ever completed in North America. Individually they played critical roles in organization, environmental sampling, laboratory analysis, and project coordination that resulted in over 8,000 samples and 15,000 analyses for bacterial pathogens. Their efforts led to groundbreaking insights into the distribution and seasonality of bacteria and other pathogens, revealing key ecological factors—like dust and wind patterns—that influence contamination of crops.
Outstanding Staff in Research Award
Anna Bounds, ALVSCE Research Administration
In her role as a grants and contracts manager, Anna Bounds has significantly transformed the. She oversees pre-award support for Environmental Science and supports the Water Resources Research Center, Tribal Extension and other units as needed. She initiated over 192 proposals in the past year – nearly triple the university average – and she developed a comprehensive tracking system that standardized processes for pre-award support in the college. Bounds is a leader in training and professional development and a valued contributor to collaborative efforts across campus. Her patience, dedication and precision have elevated the ALVSCE research enterprise.
Outstanding Staff in Research Award
Gregory Goodman, School of Nutritional Sciences and Wellness
As the data analyst for the Arizona SNAP-Ed project, Gregory Goodman has demonstrated unwavering commitment and excellence over the past eight years. He leads the data team with a focus on efficiency and effectiveness, tailoring project plans and offering innovative ways to explore data. Goodman has developed robust methodologies for research publications and evaluation reports, which has positioned his team at the forefront of SNAP-Ed’s quantitative reporting practices nationwide. Beyond his technical skills, he is known for his kindness, authenticity and ability to make everyone feel valued. He is an invaluable asset to his team and to the division.
Early Career Research Award
Flurin Babst, School of Natural Resources and the Environment
Flurin Babst’s research program focuses on nature-based solutions for mitigation of both human-caused climate change, as well as mitigation of the negative impacts of mining activities. His work uses a multi-method approach to quantify Earth’s carbon, water and energy cycling in forests, woodlands and shrublands. Babst also teaches courses focusing on dryland ecology and climate adaptation and mitigation. In the four years since his arrival, Babst has served as PI or Co-PI on over $3 million in extramural funding from diverse sources, published 30 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters, mentored seven grad students, and his work has been cited almost 7,000 times in articles published by his peers. He is a rising star in forest ecology and carbon cycle science at a time when these systems are being impacted by unprecedented change.
Outstanding Research Mentor Award
Rachel Mitchell, School of Nutritional Resources and the Environment
Rachel Mitchell has demonstrated unmatched investment in the success of her 15 mentees, which included five undergraduates, seven master’s students and three Ph.D. students. Her mentees have produced nine student-authored papers, six student-led presentations at national and regional conferences, and 11 student-led posters at local, regional and national conferences. Mitchell’s commitment to mentorship and scholarship makes her an asset to her school and to the division.
Research Impact Award
Norma Perez-Brena, Norton School of Human Ecology
Norma Perez-Brena’s work exemplifies culturally relevant, community driven research that uplifts and empowers historically underrepresented communities. Her research into the social contexts of Latinx adolescents and emerging adults emphasizes under-researched family roles like fathers, siblings and grandparents and is frequently cited in major reviews. Perez-Brena has published over 40 articles, including publications in top-tier journals, and has co-organized an international conference on the strengths of diverse families. Her intervention research has garnered $10.7 million in federal funding and reached over 2000 young families across eight Texas school districts and has been showcased in local and national news. Her translational research has created nearly 94 practice-oriented internships, 48 undergraduate research assistantships and 16 graduate research assistantships over the past 10 years. Her commitment to empowering youth and elevating their voices creates spaces where young people can share their lived experience, co-create knowledge, and influence the direction of research and community initiatives.
Eminent Researcher Award
Donald Falk, School of Natural Resources and the Environment
Donald Falk’s approach to science intentionally extends across the full continuum of basic and applied research, which has made him an internationally renowned scholar in the broad field of global change ecology. In his 17 years in SNRE, he has garnered close to $9 million in funding and produced publications that have been cited 14,000 times; he has also mentored 17 doctoral students, 18 master’s students, 3 postdoctoral scholars and over 200 undergraduate students. Falk has collaborated closely with federal and state land management agencies and nonprofit organizations, putting theoretical ecology into practice to guide how we manage the health of our natural landscapes. His scholarship, mentorship and leadership make him an eminent researcher and a credit to the college and the university.