Student News · Spring 2026
Joe Perez selected for a summer research internship at Stanford University
Joe will join a summer research program at Stanford University. Congratulations, Joe.
People
A research group focused on crop stress physiology, water and nutrient management, and field-relevant questions in California specialty crop systems.
Principal Investigator
Caetano Albuquerque
Assistant Professor of Agronomy and Horticulture · California State University Monterey Bay
I am a plant scientist working at the intersection of agronomy, horticulture, and crop physiology. My research focuses on how crops respond to water deficit, disease-related stress, and nutrient limitations, with emphasis on vegetable crop systems in California and the Salinas Valley.
My work combines field, greenhouse, and controlled-environment approaches to better understand crop performance and support more practical management decisions for specialty crops.
I am committed to mentoring students through hands-on research experiences that build scientific skills, confidence, and stronger pathways into plant and agricultural sciences.
Student Highlights
Student News · Spring 2026
Melissa Martinez selected for a summer research internship at the University of Minnesota
Melissa will join a summer research program at the University of Minnesota. Congratulations, Melissa.
Student News · Spring 2026
New opportunities for summer research projects
New summer research opportunities are available. Please reach out if you are interested: calbuquerque@csumb.edu
Current Group
Current students
JP
Joe Perez
Undergraduate Researcher
2024–present
Drought responses in almonds: hydraulic conductance, leaf embolism, and anatomy under water stress. Joe has presented at the California Plant and Soil Conference and the USDA/NIFA NextGen Internship Symposium.
Internship: Stanford University — Summer 2026
Awards
- Apple Scholarship Recipient
MM
Melissa Martinez
Undergraduate Researcher
2023–present
Plant physiology and field experimentation in vegetable crops in the Salinas Valley.
Internship: University of Minnesota — Summer 2026
BH
Bella Hartmann
Undergraduate Researcher
2023–present
Soil health and plant productivity in eucalyptus biochar-amended organic cropping systems.
Awards
- CSU-ARI Undergraduate Research Scholar
MDV
Matthijs De Vries
Undergraduate Researcher
2024–present
Research methods and plant ecophysiology in vegetable cropping systems.
AM
Asamahan Murran
Undergraduate Researcher
2024–present
Vegetable crop physiology and irrigation management.
Alumni
Alumni and former lab members
Angela Diaz
Undergraduate Researcher
2024–2026 · CSUMB
Worked on structural and functional responses of lettuce leaves during progressive drought and rehydration. Summer research internship at Stanford University.
Dr. Leandro Hahn
Visiting Postdoctoral Scholar
Jan–Jul 2025 · CSUMB
Researcher at EPAGRI (Santa Catarina State Agricultural Research & Extension), Brazil. Project: tools to improve water and nutrient use efficiency in vegetable crops.