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By Amanda E. Snyder
Jose Pablo Dundore-Arias, an assistant professor in the Department of Biology and Chemistry, has been named CSUMB’s next Bob and Sue Johnson Professor. The chair recognizes Dundore-Arias’ outstanding research related to the local agricultural industry, and she also devotes more of her position at CSUMB to this important research.
Established in 2018, the donation designating Professor Bob and Sue Johnson enabled the College of Science to launch its Agricultural Plant and Soil Science degree, of which Dundore-Arias is the coordinator. The chair is awarded for a period of four years to a faculty member who has established a research program that meets the needs of local agriculture.
“We are very grateful for the support of Bob Johnson, whose generous gift has not only enabled us to establish this chair, but also to educate the next generation of agricultural professionals in our region,” said Andrew Lawson, Dean of the College of Sciences.
He said Dundore-Arias is a very deserving recipient of the Bob and Sue Johnson Chair.
“Since joining the college in the fall of 2019, he has established a well-recognized and externally funded research program in the region, answering questions related to the management of several important specialty crop diseases. local,” Lawson said.
Dundore-Arias is the recipient of numerous awards, including the New Innovator in Food and Agriculture Research Award from the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research, and was named the 2021-22 UROC Mentor of the Year. Additionally, he has received funding from several sources, including the California Leafy Greens Research Board and programs within the USDA.
He is very proud of this latest achievement.
“It is an honor to be named Professor Bob and Sue Johnson,” said Dundore-Arias. “And this endowment further reinforces my commitment to continue to conduct translational research that advances our understanding of agricultural productivity.”
He also hopes to be a source of inspiration.
“Furthermore, as a Latino, first-generation college graduate, and former vegetable grower myself, I hope this recognition will provide further proof to all of our AGPS students across the tri-counties and beyond of the immense opportunities career paths available in agriculture, and how their education can help them gain a diverse set of skills and experiences.
