Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources
News Center

Welcome to the first official episode of the Deep Roots Podcast! In this debut episode, we introduce the visionary leadership behind Davis College by sitting down with the college’s deans to discuss the purpose, passion, and direction that guide the work and research happening at Davis College. As the driving forces, the deans share insight into their leadership philosophies, their values, and the priorities that influence the continued growth and success.

Listen to Deep Roots

In this episode, we sit down with Jhones Sarturi, Ph.D., a veterinarian with additional degrees in agronomy and animal science, to talk about his research focus, challenges, and the unanswered questions that motivate him to get out of bed before his alarm clock goes off. From partnerships with other universities to direct engagement with producers and agricultural associations, he emphasizes that meaningful research begins with meaningful questions, which often come directly from the community.

Good research doesn’t just provide answers; it generates better questions.

Listen to Episode 1

Our second guest on the Deep Roots Podcast is Catherine Simpson, Ph.D., an Associate Professor of Urban Horticulture and Sustainability. Simpson’s research is driven by a strong sense of curiosity and fascination with plants, as well as a love for the environment which has guided her research throughout her career.

During this episode, she explains the importance of natural latex and rubber, and how it makes an impact in our everyday lives. Simpson’s research passions also lie within biofortification, which consists of external applications of vitamins, such as increasing vitamin C in vegetables like lettuce.

Listen to Episode 2

Agricultural Leadership & We Love West Texas with Dr. Jason Headrick, Assistant Professor of Leadership and Community Development.

Listen to Episode 3

In this episode of the Deep Roots Podcast, host, Vikram Baliga, Ph.D., sits down with Syed Badruddoza, Ph.D. and Modhurima Amin, Ph.D., from the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics to explore how economics, artificial intelligence, and data-driven decision making are shaping the future of agriculture.

Listen to Episode 4

In this episode of the Deep Roots Podcast, host, Vikram Baliga, Ph.D., sits down with Lance Nicholas, a senior agricultural education student at Texas Tech University, to talk about his journey as a student leader, undergraduate researcher, and future educator. Hailing from the small town of Brookshire, Texas, Lance shares how saying yes to new opportunities has transformed his college experience and shaped his passion for agricultural education.

Listen to Episode 5