New year, New Member! 

Cristina Ocaña Gallegos is originally from Quito, Ecuador. She studied plant biotechnology at The University of Queensland and recently completed a master's degree in crop science at Washington State University. Her studies have focused on quinoa, in topics related to plant pathology, compatibility with speed-breeding and screening of preharvest sprouting resistance. Currently, Cristina works as an extension agent at WSU Skagit, where she provides technical assistance and facilitates conversation with the hispanic farmers of the region. She wishes to keep expanding her vision of how to practice sustainability, while working to improve our food systems at the social and ecological levels.

What we discuss:

3:00 Cristina’s life path

4:50 when we can call a new place home

6:00 child’s careers aspiration

10:00 spiritual role models - mentors

13:30 what inspired Cristina to pursue a career in science

15:00 talking about the disconnection between people in the city and rural area

16:00 quinoa chat

17:00 talking about the opportunity and transition to study in Australia

19:00 differences between living in Australia and USA

21:00 what is Cristina currently working on?

26:00 Cristina’s advice for the next generations

33:00 discussing about ARE YOU OK