Our Team
Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research Fellow
theo@pasafarming.org
814.349.9856 x791
they/them
Theo is working to understand the relationship between agrochemical amendments and soil health in row cropping systems.
As a PhD student in plant pathology at Pennsylvania State University, their student dissertation work seeks to understand how agronomic factors shape the communities of fungi that colonize maize plants, taking into account pathogens and mycotoxin producers that can negatively impact production. Theo has a long academic history in biology and plant health. They received their associate’s in the natural sciences from Pasadena City College, bachelor’s in biology from California State University Monterey Bay, and master’s in plant pathology from Oregon State University. Over the past eight years, Theo has conducted applied research for the management of diseases in grape, blueberry, and avocado production. They seek to use the research and analysis skills they’ve fostered in their collaboration with Pasa. Pasa’s dedication to community-based research and solutions driven by farmers for farmers aligns with Theo’s values as someone who views science as a means to solving real-world problems that those who grow, process, and make our food systems face.
Theo is a first-generation college student who grew up in food apartheid in Los Angeles, California. They are passionate about sustainable and community-based food systems that support all people.
