Biologist Alejandro Calderón-Urrea exemplifies many of the traits an engaged university with a growing commitment to research looks for in its faculty. He values scientific inquiry not only for its theoretical value, but for its practical applications as well. The Colombian native is also a talented educator who knows how to inspire and guide students toward ambitious personal and professional goals. “One of the reasons I teach,” he says, “is to convey to students a more meaningful understanding of science. I want students to broaden their visions of the positive impact scientific research can have on solving many of the world’s environmental challenges.” 

Calderón-Urrea’s research revolves around the study of nematodes, parasitic worms that are linked to a major problem facing crop production in California’s San Joaquin Valley and other agricultural centers of the world. Parasitic plant nematodes result in an estimated $10 billion annual loss to U.S. agriculture, and nearly 10 times that figure worldwide. Economic loss is not the only problem associated with plant pathogenic nematodes. Currently, the best defense against these pests is the use of methyl bromide, a chemical wrought with environmental hazards. Methyl bromide is being phased out from use in U.S. agriculture, and Calderón-Urrea’s research may lead to an environmentally-friendly replacement.

The 2001 academic year was an especially busy one for Calderón-Urrea. His teaching career reached a watershed in recognition of his years of dedication. He was awarded the McNair Outstanding Faculty Mentor Award and, having demonstrated his abilities in the classroom, he earned tenure and advanced to the rank of Associate Professor. That year his commitment to student research also found new expression when he joined the Planning Board for Fresno State’s Central California Research Symposium (CCRS), a regional forum where university students, faculty and professionals come together each year to share their research with peers, advisors and other faculty. His CCRS commitment included actively mentoring science students, serving on CCRS proposal review panels, and judging the competition.

By 2005 Calderón-Urrea had become one of the University’s most active and creative researchers.  In the spring, he received the Claude C. Laval, Jr. Award for Innovative Technology and Research. Later that year the University was awarded a major grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to implement RISE, a program for minority students pursuing careers in biomedical fields. RISE represents a milestone for the University in its progress toward achieving Carnegie Research Intensive status, and it will open many new doors for Fresno State students. Calderón-Urrea’s leadership was instrumental in securing RISE, and he now shares management responsibilities with biologist Alice Wright.

As the University enters a new phase in its growth, it appears there will not only be many more years of research and teaching for Calderón-Urrea, but bright and challenging futures for his students as well.