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Curriculum Vitae

Education

· Pursuing a Ph. D. in Horticulture, The Pennsylvania State University, August 2002 - presently

Dissertation Topic: Blueberry crop load and its effects on root and shoot physiology.

Thesis advisor: Dr. David Eissenstat

· B. S. Ecology Engineering; 1999; Graduated with Honors; University of Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Mexico.

Professional experience

· PhD fellow, Penn State. Areas of expertise: Plant water relations, root and shoots; root dynamics; root anatomy &  morphology; plant carbon balance.

· Modern Techniques and Concepts in Plant Ecophysiology Teaching assistant, Dept of Horticulture, Penn State. Lecturer of Plant water relations and laboratory instructor for Gas exchange, water relations and root physiology (Spring 2005,2006,2007).

· Health & Environmental department manager and Coordinator of the standard ISO 14000. DELPHI Automotive Systems. Alambrados y Circuitos Electricos Plant 1 and Plant 8. January 2000 – July 2002. Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Mexico.

Forthcoming publications

Valenzuela-Estrada, L.R., V. Vera-Caraballo, L. E. Ruth, D. M. Eissenstat. Submitted. Root anatomy, morphology and longevity among root orders in Vaccinium corymbosum (Ericaceae).

Selected presentations

· Valenzuela, L.R., Neilsen, D., Neilsen, G., Eissesntat, D. (2005). Physiological Responses of Apple Trees to Different Irrigation Practices. ASHS Annual Meeting. Las Vegas, NV.

· Palanjian, K., Valenzuela, L.R., Neilsen, D., Neilsen, G., Eissesntat, D. (2005). Rapid and Differential Rates of Root Browning in Apple Trees under Different Irrigation Treatments. ASHS Annual Meeting. Las Vegas, NV.

Relevant Skills/ Experience

· Knowledgeable about cultural and management practices of Highbush Blueberry production.

· Highly skilled using physiological and soil water content monitor equipment (LI-COR 6400, 6200, 1600; TDR; Campbell data loggers, Wescor phychrometers; Oxygraph systems; Vapor pressure osmometers.

· Supervise and mentor undergraduate students effectively.

· Ability to develop and lecture classes and lab materials for grad level courses.

· Ability to relate to people with different socioeconomic and educational backgrounds.

· Personal management and team leadership. 

· Works independently as well as a team member.

· Fluent in English and Spanish.

Honors and other works

Summer internship at Big Bend National Park. 1996. Texas.

Recipient – 1997-1999. TELMEX (Mexico’s telecommunication company) scholarship to pursue a B.S. degree in Ecology at the University of Chihuahua. Chihuahua, Mexico. 

Recipient – 2002-2007. CONACYT (Mexico’s National Council for Science and Technology) scholarship to pursue a Ph .D. degree in Horticulture at the Pennsylvania State University. 

 

 

Luis Rene Valenzuela-Estrada