Tue, September 16, 2025
Mon, September 15, 2025
[ Yesterday Afternoon ]: TV Technology
Martin Euredjian Joins Atomos
Sun, September 14, 2025

Guam student designs new fungicide to protect crops at Summer Science Program in Nebraska

  Copy link into your clipboard //science-technology.news-articles.net/content/2 .. crops-at-summer-science-program-in-nebraska.html
  Print publication without navigation Published in Science and Technology on by Pacific Daily News
          🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source

Guam Student Breaks New Ground in Plant Protection While Studying in Nebraska

A 16‑year‑old student from Guam has taken a big step forward for the island’s agricultural community by designing a novel fungicide during a summer research program in Nebraska. The story, featured in The Guam Daily News, chronicles the journey of junior high‑schooler Rafael “Rafa” Rivera as he combines a passion for science with a commitment to safeguarding Guam’s crops from fungal diseases that threaten local growers.


A Summer in the American Midwest

The project was carried out at the Nebraska Agriculture Research Center in Lincoln, where the state sponsors an annual “Nebraska Summer Science Program” that invites high‑school students from across the country to conduct hands‑on research under the mentorship of university faculty. The program’s website (linked in the article) outlines a curriculum that includes field trials, laboratory analysis, and the chance to present findings at a conference.

Rivera was selected for the program after submitting a strong application that highlighted his background in biology and his long‑standing interest in developing eco‑friendly solutions to plant diseases. He arrived in early June, excited to bring his ideas to life in an environment that offers advanced lab equipment and a community of researchers dedicated to sustainable agriculture.


The Fungicide Concept

Fungal infections such as Alternaria and Fusarium cause significant yield losses in Guam’s tropical fruits and vegetables. Current commercial fungicides are often costly and sometimes harmful to beneficial soil microbes. Rivera’s goal was to create a low‑toxic chemical that could be produced locally, reducing dependence on imported pesticides.

Working with a team of graduate students and a professor of plant pathology, Rivera began by isolating a naturally occurring compound found in a local herb known for its medicinal properties. The compound was then chemically modified in the laboratory to enhance its antifungal activity while minimizing potential side effects. Through iterative testing—first on petri dishes and then on small greenhouse plots—Rivera’s modified fungicide showed a 60% reduction in fungal spore germination compared to a standard commercial product.

The research team recorded data on the compound’s efficacy, environmental degradation rate, and its impact on non‑target organisms. According to the article, preliminary results suggest that the fungicide degrades within 48 hours, which would limit environmental persistence—a key criterion for approval by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.


Back to Guam: Potential Impact

Rivera’s work arrives at a critical time. In 2023, Guam’s Department of Agriculture reported a 12% loss of produce due to fungal outbreaks, a figure that economists estimate cost the island’s farmers around $2.4 million in lost revenue. A locally developed, affordable fungicide could not only reduce these losses but also help preserve Guam’s delicate ecosystem.

“Rafael’s design demonstrates that high‑school students can contribute meaningfully to real‑world challenges,” said Dr. Melissa Hart, program director for the Nebraska Summer Science Program. “His work has the potential to create a sustainable, low‑cost solution for farmers here and elsewhere in the Pacific.”

Rivera plans to bring his findings back to Guam’s University of Guam (UG), where he will collaborate with the university’s Plant Biology Department to conduct larger field trials on the island. He hopes to secure funding from the Guam Agricultural Development Fund and to partner with local cooperative societies to disseminate the product to growers.


A Personal Journey

Beyond the science, the article paints a portrait of Rivera as a motivated student who sees science as a way to serve his community. He is the son of a local fisherman and grew up observing the fragility of Guam’s natural resources. “When I see my aunt’s sweet potatoes wilt because of a fungal infection, I know that I have to find a solution,” Rivera told reporters. “This program gave me the tools to try.”

Rivera’s parents, Ana and Miguel Rivera, praised the opportunity. “He has always been curious,” Ana said. “This summer has given him a chance to see how hard work can lead to real change.” Miguel added that the experience has broadened his son’s horizons, inspiring him to consider a future in biotechnology.


Looking Ahead

The article concludes with a forward‑looking perspective. Rivera will present his research at the Nebraska Plant Science Conference in August, a gathering attended by academics, policy makers, and industry representatives. If the conference’s panel deems the fungicide viable, the next step would be to pursue regulatory approval and develop a scalable production process.

In addition to the scientific milestones, Rivera’s story underscores the importance of international collaboration in agricultural science. By bridging the research communities of the United States and the Pacific Islands, programs like Nebraska’s summer initiative are fostering a new generation of scientists who can address global challenges from local contexts.


Bottom Line

A 16‑year‑old student from Guam, Rivera, has taken a pioneering step toward protecting tropical crops by designing a promising new fungicide during a summer research program in Nebraska. The project not only showcases the potential of youth‑led scientific innovation but also points toward tangible benefits for Guam’s agricultural sector, promising reduced losses, lower environmental impact, and greater independence from imported chemicals. As Rivera prepares to present his findings and move his research back home, the article invites readers to watch this young scientist’s journey from the Midwest laboratory to the fields of Guam—a testament to the power of education, collaboration, and community‑driven science.


Read the Full Pacific Daily News Article at:
[ https://www.guampdn.com/news/guam-student-designs-new-fungicide-to-protect-crops-at-summer-science-program-in-nebraska/article_091d2972-a8ef-4cad-ac63-b37a63985e35.html ]