Young Agri-Scientists Program
Our Program
The Young Agri-Scientists Program was created to provide and evaluate an enhanced undergraduate research experience to students in agriculture, food, and natural resources (AFNR). This is a collaborative effort with Texas Tech University to recruit future scientists in AFNR. Selected students at New Mexico State University will engage is active research with faculty members from the College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences (ACES). The goal of this project is to increase the amount of diverse student graduates to meet the global need for leading agricultural scientists who are well-versed in research as well as the diffusion of research through scientific communication.
To complete these goals, faculty will work alongside undergraduate research participants to guide and mentor students through the experiential learning process of hands-on research. Additionally, students will receive training on presenting research and disseminating information. Students with research interests or topics in AFNR are encouraged to contact Dr. Fraze, Dr. Roberts, or Dr. Rankin for more information.
This program is centered around the AFNR sciences and geared especially towards Hispanic and other minority or underserved populations. There is a great need for more diverse experiences in AFNR careers. This program will allow students a chance to explore research and future AFNR careers.
Up to eight (8) undergraduate recruitment scholarships valuing $5,000 are available to support Hispanic and/or underrepresented students interested in pursuing undergraduate research opportunities within AFNR. Students will also received support for conference and research travel.
Recruitment for this project began in Summer 2022 with activities beginning in Fall 2022.
This project will be conducted for two co-horts of four (4) participants beginning in 2022 through 2023 and 2024. Participants will engage in research activities throughout the years and provide presentations over research in appropriate semesters until the project concludes in 2026.
For more information, contact Dr. Steve Fraze at sfraze@nmsu.edu, Dr. Lacey Roberts at lnrob@nmsu.edu, or Dr. Kris Rankin at krankin3@nmsu.edu.
Continue below for program updates, student highlights, and additional director information.
Program Flyer ▸
Click here to download a flyer for the Young Agri-Scientists Program.
Program Directors
Dr. Steve Fraze
A native of Dora, New Mexico, Dr. Steve Fraze earned his bachelor's degree in agriculture from Lubbock Christian University and his master's degree, along with a teaching certificate, from Texas Tech. He received his doctorate from Texas A&M University. He previously worked as a visiting instructor in Texas A&M University's Department of Agricultural Education, and was a vocational agriculture teacher in New Home, Texas and Olton, Texas. Dr. Fraze assumed the duties of Department Head of Agricultural and Extension Education in the College of Agricultural in January 2020.
Dr. Lacey Roberts
Dr. Lacey Roberts is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Extension Education. She graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Agricultural and Media Communications from West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Tx. She received her master’s degree in International Agriculture from Oklahoma State University, and her Ph.D. in Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications from Texas A&M University. Her doctoral work focused on the visual communication efforts of international agricultural development programs.
Dr. Kris Rankin
Dr. Kris Rankin is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Extension Education. He graduated with his bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Education from the University of Missouri. He received both his master’s degree and Ph.D. in Agricultural Education, Communication, and Leadership from Oklahoma State University. His research focuses on school-based agricultural education (SBAE) teacher technical skill development, SBAE teacher retention and program improvement, as well as historical research pertaining to agricultural education at large.
Graduate Research Assistant
Elia Rybolt
Elia Rybolt grew up in the Willamette Valley of Oregon and her passion for agriculture was cultivated when establishing her hydrangea garden, “Holloway Hydrangeas”, in 2018 which includes different types of hydrangeas with diverse colors and shapes. She attended Oregon State University and graduated June 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Sciences, minor in Horticulture, and focuses in Agricultural Communications and Education.
Elia stayed actively involved with research, experiential learning, student organizations, and held multiple leadership roles within the community there. Currently, Elia is the Graduate Research Assistant for the AXED department supporting the Young Agri-Scientists Program and working towards a Master of Arts in Agricultural and Extension Education with an Agricultural Communications focus. She is also serving on the Sigma Alpha Sorority National Leadership Team as a Chapter Consultant to mentor and support young professional women in agriculture.
Elia’s research interests include applied communications, visual literacy, and horticulture. Her mission is communicating agriculture to inspire others and to grow as a leader within agriculture. Outside of academics, Elia loves caring for her garden, capturing photos, cooking new recipes, and learning more about the world.