VENTURA, Calif. - TelAve -- Winners of the first Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) "Fields of Innovation in Agriculture Research Competition" were selected on May 2.

High schoolers in grades 10 through 12 from 6 different schools interested in applying STEM solutions to agricultural problems participated in the six-week, guided online competition. The competition culminated in an in-person final showcase at CSU Channel Islands, held alongside the 18th Annual CSUCI Student Research Conference.

"By bringing SEEAG's student finalists to CSUCI, we connected them directly to the college research environment while giving them a platform to present their own work," says Caitlin Paulus Case, SEEAG executive director. "It's an experience that builds confidence and strengthens real-world communication skills."

This year's theme was "Water in Agriculture." Students were tasked with researching and developing creative solutions to pressing agricultural issues. They were required to research local and statewide water challenges, explore creative solutions to a chosen problem, identify STEM-related careers needed to implement their solution, create a research abstract, and present in front of a panel of industry judges.

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The first-place winner is Jayden Hua, a 10th-grader from Thousand Oaks High School ($2,000 scholarship). Second-place winner is Aurora Arellano, a 12th-grader from Rio Mesa High School ($1,000 scholarship). Third-place winner is Nandhitha Bashyaramanujam, an 11th-grader from Westlake High School ($500).

Hua's project investigated the impact of Santa Ana Winds on crop health and yields through increased evapotranspiration. Arellano focused on groundwater overdraft in California's Central Valley and explored the use of injection wells. Bashyaramanujam addressed modern irrigation practices and above-ground water loss by applying principles of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK).

"When students from diverse disciplines and interests tackle pressing agricultural challenges like water, we're showing that the future of our food system depends on many perspectives and ideas working together," says Camille Graham, SEEAG's STEM CPA program coordinator.

Competition judges were Kali Fennell-Lyman, production coordinator, Brokaw Nursery, Dr. Ann De Lay, agricultural professor, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo,  Dr. Ruben Alarcon, biology professor, CSU Channel Islands, Pal Halstead, irrigation specialist, Coast Water Solutions, Sophia Avalos,  applied research technician, Driscoll's, Soledad Camacho, agronomy technician, Driscoll's and Jacob Pecenka, research entomologist and agroecologist, Rodale Institute.

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"SEEAG is thankful to our sponsors and program supporters who made this competition possible," says Paulus Case. "Special thanks to Coast Water Solutions and Travis Ag for their generous contributions, their support played a vital role in creating this meaningful opportunity for students."

For questions about participating in next year's competition or for those interested in sponsoring or donating, contact Camille Graham at camille@seeag.org.