Kath & Rico on teaching career

Rico visited part of the West Coast, USA and Canada in August 2007 together with other Varrons. In this photo, taken in a weekend farmer's markets in Portland, Oregon, he is flanked to his right by Diomedes 'Diomy' Zamora (Fantastic Five '05) and Kent Apostol (Youth of Liberty '89).

What part of the Philippines did you come from?
I was born and raised in Los Banos, Laguna.

When did you enter the UPVL? Why was your batch named Admirable Sixers?
I entered UPVL after my first semester in College (1988). We named our batch as such because we believed that the six of us possess admirable characters.

How did you know about the organization? Why did you join?
I knew nothing about the org until I saw its name on the bulletin board located at the Forest Sciences Building. I got curious about the word Ltd. and got a little bit intimated. I found out later about the rationale behind the word and how the organization welcomes individuals who would like to harness their potentials as a student and as an individual.

Who among the Varrons, was/were influential in your decision to join the UPVL? How did they influence your decision?
My blockmate and good friend Sis Joyce Mae Aumentado (D’ Determiners ’88) encouraged me to join. She is actually my sponsor when I entered the org. I was impressed with the academic and extracurricular achievements of UPVL members.

What incident/events in the UP Varrons do you consider most memorable as an undergrad/as alumnus?
The activities that we sponsored and joined were all equally memorable.

How do you compare UPVL with other student organizations or fraternities/sororities in the UP campus? What do you think is the most significant difference, if any?
During my undergrad years at UPLB, UPVL was the most socially and politically conscious among other student organizations in the forestry campus. Members of UPVL excelled in everything they did!

You are married to another Varron (Sis Kathy). If circumstances were different, let’s say, you did not join the UPVL, do you think you would have married a Varron?
When I prayed for a lifetime partner, I specifically asked God for someone who can inspire and complete me as a person. Kathryn is indeed an answered prayer!

How effective/useful are the lessons/background you obtained from UPLB in preparing you for the academic position you currently held at Glenville State?
UPLB prepared me to be independent and taught me the value of hard work, dedication and excellence in everything that I do.

What courses are you currently teaching?
The major classes that I teach are forest ecology, plant physiology and GIS.

What research are you currently engaged in?
I am currently doing research projects being funded by National Science Foundation, NASA and USDA Forest Service. In a nutshell, all of these projects deal with plant ecophysiological responses to climate change particularly increase in greenhouse gases and temperature.

What do you want to achieve in the long run with your research regarding the effect of urbanization on leaf phenology? What are the present issues and how do you relate your present research findings?
The urban heat island effect (urban areas tend to be warmer in temperature than surrounding rural areas) has been linked to changing patterns of vegetation phenology, especially spring growth. We are interested in determining the effect of the urban environment on the timing of leaf appearance of several native deciduous trees in different cities around the world. Our study demonstrates that changing phenological patterns in both temperate and tropical countries reflect the influence of climate warming which in the long run may also alter species distribution, community composition, and life cycle.

How do you manage your time and activities between your teaching, research, and family?
I always make sure to plan everything in advance. I know it does not work all the time but my family (Kath and Kira) is always my priority.

How do you find UPLB students in general compared to students in an American university?
There is really not much difference.

Where did you conduct your postdoc research? How did it help prepare you for a faculty appointment?
After my PhD at Mississippi State University, I did my postdocs at University of Arizona/Wyoming and Utah State University. The teaching and research experiences I gained from these jobs prepared me well to secure a tenure-track faculty position.

Is there any advice that you can give to the undergrad members on career choice? research?
Do the work that you think will give you happiness and satisfaction as a professional and as an individual. Explore every opportunity that comes your way. Most of all, involve God in every aspect of your life.