Meet the Fellows - Campus Ecology - National Wildlife Federation

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Fellow Profile
Axel Ramirez-Madera
University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez, 0

As part of the project, we are supporting seven fundamental "Green Resolutions". Transportation is the first resolution that will be handled through the "Ride a Bike!" campaign. Through the promotion of bicycle use, campus traffic, gas emissions and air pollution will decrease significantly. The Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle resolution will focus on the reduction of paper towels and the replacement of hand dryers. It will also focus on increasing recycling, particularly in the school cafeteria. The third resolution, Energy Conservation and Efficiency, will be accomplished through communication with the administration. We will obtain a billboard, or other form of media that will help promote various campaigns that benefit the environment. Communication with the administration under this resolution will also include discussions about the possibility of changing building lighting to CFLs or LEDs, among other energy conservation methods. The Nature resolution will focus on reforestation around the campus and beach cleanups. The group will promote the planting of 100+ trees throughout the campus to improve animal habitats and provide natural shades for the students. There will also be numerous beach cleanups. The fifth resolution, Purchasing Recommendations, will focus on discussions with the cafeteria and the bookstore in an effort to decrease the use of Styrofoam and plastic bags and increase the availability of healthier, organic food. The Education and Outreach resolution will involve a 2-day Global Warming Solutions Symposium. There will also be Global Warming trainings that will teach university students to give presentation that they will, in turn, offer in different activities throughout the island. The seventh and final resolution, Water Conservation, will be completed through the promotion of water conservation throughout all of the activities and campaigns. Through the support being received and the volume of students involved, this project will definitely be a success.

About the Fellow

I am Axel Omar Ramírez-Madera. I was born on April 28th, 1984 in Santurce, Puerto Rico. I am a graduate student in Agronomy from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez Campus. Raised in a farm, I grew up caring for nature and agriculture which led me to study Agricultural Sciences and complete a Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy. I always love challenges and my thirst to know and learn directed me on doing a Master’s degree in Agronomy. My research is about Soil, Plant and Bacteria interactions. The title of my thesis is the: “Response of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) to Rhizobium inoculation and nitrogen (N) fertilization”. The findings of this investigation will help small bean producers from Latin America and the Caribbean by reducing N fertilizer applications. This practice can reduce contamination of underground and running waters due to high amount of inorganic N fertilizers which will result in an improvement of the quality of the soil. The process of teaching as a laboratory instructor has allowed me to discover my vocation as an educator. I have found a part of me that was latent in my heart because seven of my thirteen uncles and aunts are teachers. Even though a rejected to become a teacher, I have it in my blood and I love to teach. I consider that educating is another way to love my neighbor because you are giving yourself without expecting something in return. I want to have a positive impact on the world, but I believe that this can be done little by little. One person can influence an entire community. Working with the National Wildlife Federation Campus Ecology Fellowship will prepare me to eventually work with NWF in gaining experience in development of strategies that contribute in the conservation of natural resources. I also expect to acquire some experience in the field of Plant Breeding and Statistics. As long term career goals, I plan to continue my doctorate studies to become a Plant Breeder, Professor and Researcher. I look forward to working in academia as a well prepared professional to educate the youth and work in collaboration with them for the solutions of ecological problems.

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