E. Kika De La Garza Fellow Engil Pereira Creates Pathways to USDA Employment
In 2022, Dr. Engil Pereira, professor at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), participated in the E. Kika De La Garza (EKDLG) Fellowship with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) at the National Soil Survey Center in Lincoln, Nebraska. As the university’s director of the graduate program in Agricultural, Environmental, and Sustainability Sciences, Pereira was well positioned to turn her experience into tangible results for her students.
“I have been able to help create internship opportunities for my students, giving them the hands-on experience they’ll need in their careers,” she said.
Learning about career requirements and prospects through the EKDLG Fellowship Program allowed Pereira to promote USDA as a potential employer to the student community at her university and offer classes that qualify students for careers at USDA.
“The fellowship was invaluable to introducing me to the breadth of USDA agencies and resources,” she said. “The science portion of the program helped me establish connections within my field, support research partnerships, and enhance my educational activities, such as bringing outside speakers for seminars with our students.”
Pereira credits much of her success to USDA Liaison Ruby De La Garza. As a USDA Liaison with the Hispanic-Serving Institutions National Program, De La Garza facilitates connections to opportunities, development trainings and grant programs. With De La Garza’s help, Pereira hosted several workshops on campus to assist students in applying for internships and permanent positions within NRCS.
“These collaborations have been critical to our success in creating a strong pipeline from education to employment,” Pereira said.
The direct impact of the EKDLG Fellowship Program can be seen in the lives and careers of engaged students. To date, 23 UTRGV students have interned with NRCS, and 10 have transitioned into employment with USDA. Some students highlighted the competitive edge gained from these experiences, which help them stand out in the federal job market. Others valued the connections that have shaped their career trajectories.
“Relocating to a new state has been a scary yet exciting challenge,” said Samantha Colunga, past intern and now employed as a soil scientist at NRCS in Hays, Kansas. “Despite the initial learning curve, I find my work interesting and engaging, especially with new work on wetland determinations and restorations, which will continue to strengthen my skills and expand my horizons.”
The EKDLG Fellowship Program is currently accepting applications until March 6, 2025.
