Joseph Navarro

Managed crop and nursery operations across the full production cycle, including site preparation, propagation, transplanting, irrigation, fertilization, pruning, grafting, trellising, weed control, and harvest. Oversaw the farm's applied research program by designing experiments, establishing trials, collecting plant measurements, analyzing data, and documenting findings.

Established and managed a diversified tropical farm integrating livestock, nursery propagation, fruit crops, root crops, coffee, cover crops, and forage species.

Supervised six undergraduate researchers in agroecological fieldwork, providing training in nursery propagation, transplanting, crop establishment, pruning, irrigation, weed control, IPM, and soil sampling. Held weekly seminars on peer-reviewed agroecology research and coordinated environmental outreach for over 200 K-12 students.

Developed and implemented 250+ NRCS conservation plans across 1,075 acres of coffee farms to improve soil health, water infiltration, and shade-tree diversity. Collected 400+ soil core samples and supported estimates of over 663 metric tons of CO2 sequestered, while leading 15+ outreach workshops on soil health, pest control, and coffee market strategies.

Designed and carried out field experiments inspired by Indigenous conuco farming systems, building elevated raised beds and testing crops like Capsicum chinense and sweet potato in alley cropping setups. Trained student interns in data collection, soil and plant tissue sampling, and R-based statistical analysis.

Designed eco-friendly landscapes using GIS technology and soil analysis to help clients restore degraded lands. Created tailored planting and soil improvement plans that boosted plant cover and water retention by as much as 25%.

Managed diverse agro-silvopastoral operations integrating livestock, composting, and cover crop systems to enhance soil fertility. Developed compost systems maintaining 130°F microbial activity and led farm-based educational programs for over 100 youth and visitors.

Managed hydroponic and soil-based crop production cycles, including propagation, nutrient formulation, and pest control. Calibrated irrigation and fertigation systems to maintain optimal pH, EC, and PPM levels, boosting yields by 15% and cutting pesticide use by 40% through IPM.

Participated in a farmer-led agricultural brigade supporting diversified farms, assisting with citrus production, coffee systems, silvopasture, fruit trees, row crops, and aquaponics. Performed farm maintenance, tree planting, pruning, nursery management, terrace construction, and vegetable production, and supported on-farm production of organic bio-inputs.

Doctoral candidate in Environmental Science with a focus on agroecology and agroforestry, expected to complete in 2029.

Master of Science in Environmental Science with a focus on agroecology and agroforestry, completed in 2025.

Associate of Science in Horticulture, completed in 2021.

Bachelor of Arts in Hispanic Studies with a minor in Anthropology, completed in 2020.