SPC Helps USDA in Washington, D.C.

ST. PHILIP'S COLLEGE RESEARCH CHEMIST-EDUCATOR COMPLETES NATIONAL HISPANIC-SERVING INSTITUTIONS FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM EXPERIENCE

In a once-in-a-career-experience documented by U.S. Department of Agriculture photographer Lance Cheung, a St. Philip's College faculty member was among teachers sharing best practices with students at their respective Hispanic Serving institutions, motivating them to pursue careers in agriculture, science, research, technology and other related fields of study.

The faculty member is Lourdes Alba, a research chemist-educator who has been the lead instructor of general chemistry for thousands of students in the college's Dr. William Conan Davis Natural Science Building in the city's Denver Heights neighborhood.

Alba's once-in-a-career experience as a E. Kika De La Garza Fellowship Program awardee in late June was also a first for the college as a participant in the program that offers faculty and staff from Hispanic-Serving Institutions the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., to work collaboratively with the USDA in order to gain insight and understanding of how the federal government can help colleges, students and communities.

"This well-tailored experience was an intense and content-laden bringing-together of Hispanic Serving Institution faculty, staff and federal executives. Together, we addressed the spectrum of challenges faced in the development of a well prepared Hispanic workforce," Alba said.

"As a fellow, I spent two weeks in Washington, D.C., increasing my understanding of the USDA and other federal agencies, particularly at the national level, with the goal of identifying mutual collaborative interests," Alba said. "I was given experience about the educational policymaking process and building linkages to research and funding opportunities," said Alba.

"As a result, one of the outcomes I foresee is a strong partnership that is connected and flexible in its response to Hispanic students and their community needs," said Alba. "As I return to St. Philip's College, I am writing up the framework for an initiative to support major USDA goals. I will also share networking information with colleagues, students and other interested individuals," Alba said. "The framework I am building will take place through several phases in partnership with colleagues, students and other interested individuals," Alba said.

During an event at the USDA headquarters, a fellow from Los Angeles Trade Tech College was the first acknowledged and a fellow from The City University of New York was the third acknowledged. Between LA Trade Tech and CUNY, Alba was the second of 19 2018 fellows acknowledged in turn when USDA Farm Production and Conservation Under Secretary Bill Northey presented a keynote address for the program awardees in Washington, D.C., on June 22.

Find details on Alba's professional development experience at the college story SPC's Lourdes Alba, Community Garden in Washington, D. C., This Week. For details on the fellowship program, contact Dan Wueste, the USDA's E. Kika De La Garza Fellowship Program Manager, at 202-720-6506, daniel.wueste@osec.usda.gov.

CAPTIONS (USDA Photos by Lance Cheung):

01-When the 20th anniversary class of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's E. Kika De La Garza Fellowship took place June 18-29 in Washington, D. C., St. Philip's College faculty member Lourdes Alba (center) was among 19 teachers sharing their experiences with students at their respective Hispanic Serving institutions, motivating them to pursue careers in agriculture, science, research, technology and other related fields of study. A highlight of the experience for Alba was a photo session with USDA Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement Director Diane Cullo (left) and Office of Advocacy and Outreach Associate Director Christian Obineme (right) June 22 at the USDA headquarters. (USDA Photo by Lance Cheung)

02-When the 20th anniversary class of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's E. Kika De La Garza Fellowship took place June 18-29 in Washington, D. C., St. Philip's College faculty member Lourdes Alba (seated and applauding ninth from left) was among 19 teachers sharing their experiences with students at their respective Hispanic Serving institutions, motivating them to pursue careers in agriculture, science, research, technology and other related fields of study. A highlight of the experience for Alba was being present June 22 at the USDA headquarters for remarks by USDA Office of Advocacy and Outreach Associate Director Christian Obineme. (USDA Photo by Lance Cheung)

03-When the 20th anniversary class of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's E. Kika De La Garza Fellowship took place June 18-29 in Washington, D. C., St. Philip's College faculty member Lourdes Alba (standing second from right) was among 19 teachers sharing their experiences with students at their respective Hispanic Serving institutions, motivating them to pursue careers in agriculture, science, research, technology and other related fields of study. A highlight of the experience for Alba was being present June 22 at the USDA headquarters for the awards of recognition to fellows by USDA Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement Director Diane Cullo and Office of Advocacy and Outreach Associate Director Christian Obineme. (USDA Photo by Lance Cheung)

04-When the 20th anniversary class of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's E. Kika De La Garza Fellowship took place June 18-29 in Washington, D. C., St. Philip's College faculty member Lourdes Alba (standing third from left) was among 19 teachers sharing their experiences with students at their respective Hispanic Serving institutions, motivating them to pursue careers in agriculture, science, research, technology and other related fields of study. A highlight of the experience for Alba was a group photo session June 22 at the USDA headquarters. (USDA Photo by Lance Cheung)

05-When the 20th anniversary class of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's E. Kika De La Garza Fellowship took place June 18-29 in Washington, D. C., St. Philip's College faculty member Lourdes Alba had the opportunity to hear USDA Farm Production and Conservation Under Secretary Bill Northey (visible in reflection) present the keynote address June 22 at the USDA headquarters. (USDA Photo by Lance Cheung)

06-When the 20th anniversary class of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's E. Kika De La Garza Fellowship took place June 18-29 in Washington, D. C., St. Philip's College faculty member Lourdes Alba (seated third from left) had the opportunity to hear USDA Farm Production and Conservation Under Secretary Bill Northey present the keynote address June 22 at the USDA headquarters. (USDA Photo by Lance Cheung)