Star Students

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• Zion Brigham
• Lidia Segoviano
• Robert Cetti
• Josie Hernandez

Zion Brigham

Agricultural Business

Zion Brigham is getting ready to graduate in May with a Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural business. He grew up around the agriculture industry in California’s Central Valley, and currently resides in Atwater.  

Brigham has been an active member of the agricultural business program at Chico State for the past two years. In high school he participated in 4-H and FFA through the Farm Business Management team, served as a Greenhand and chapter officer, and raised and showed about 40 head of sheep. 

Brigham transferred to Chico State from Merced College with an Associate of Science degree in agriculture business. When deciding between colleges, a tour of campus is what sealed the deal. 

“All of my high school agriculture teachers were Chico State alumni, which first sparked my interest in attending college here, but the atmosphere during my tour confirmed that decision. I loved the campus and learning about the College of Agriculture,” Brigham said.  

When his dad’s side of the family came to the United States from South Africa, they started a crop-dusting business in the Central Valley. Brigham became fascinated with the business side of the company, especially learning about micro and macroeconomics.  

Brigham has competed in two USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) contests. The Agricultural Export Market Challenge used a case study method and role play to examine the export opportunities for US food and agricultural products. In spring of 2022, the team was named regional and national champions. In the spring of 2023, the team placed third overall. These competitions have been the highlight of his college career.  

“Competing in these contests has taught me a variety of skills, like communication and team work,” Brigham said. “With both of my teams, we had many late nights preparing for this contest. I feel I have better developed my work ethic through this contest.”  

Brigham’s proudest moments in college include being on the dean’s list and being featured in the College of Agriculture’s “Student Spotlight.” During the commencement ceremony in May, he will be the Gonfalonier and hold the college’s flag while walking into the ceremony.  

One of his most significant experiences during college was learning what true independence is. As assistant manager for Tractor Supply in Chico and a full-time student, he has learned how to cultivate a healthy balance of work and school. Outside of work and academics, he enjoys taking his dog on hikes to enjoy the fresh air.  

Brigham’s favorite part of the College of Agriculture is the faculty. His most impactful mentors within the college are Tatevik Avetisyan and Mina Hejazi, but he feels that all of the faculty members are willing to do anything for student success.  

In the future, Brigham is looking into earning an MBA after a few years of working in the industry. Eventually, he wants to receive a PhD and then teach agriculture business at the college level. Brigham will continue to focus on academics and learning and hopes to contribute to the agriculture business industry and eventually share his passion with future students.   

Lidia Segoviano

Agricultural Education

Gearing up for graduation, Lidia Segoviano has made her mark the past four years at Chico State. Segoviano is a Northern California local from Yuba City, and she is majoring in agricultural education with the goal of becoming a high school agriculture teacher.  

Segoviano grew a passion for agriculture in high school when she accidentally enrolled in an agriculture class. She eventually became involved in the Future Farmers of America (FFA) by participating in public speaking contests and the Soil and Land Evaluation Judging Contest.  

Originally wanting to go to another school, she decided to come to Chico State because of the supportive and friendly faculty and staff and the affordability of being able to live at home. She started as a plant and soil science major, but once she took the “Introduction to Agriculture” Education (AGED 201) class with Alyssa Schager, assistant professor and student teacher coordinator in the College of Agriculture, her career path changed.  

Segoviano is an active and engaged member of various clubs on campus: she is involved in Ag Ambassadors, Alpha Zeta, Crops and Horticulture Club, and Collegiate FFA. She also served as the FFA Field Day chair earlier this year, which provided her a tremendous amount of organizational and communication skills.  

The College of Agriculture is something that Segoviano holds close to her heart. She has built many friendships and professional relationships through the strong community she has created there.  

“This college has helped me build my confidence, personal growth, and skill set. I am so fortunate with the amazing group of people that I can count on in my community. I have also increased my knowledge about agriculture, which will help me become a better teacher for my future students,” Segoviano said.  

One of Segoviano’s favorite memories in the College of Agriculture is attending the Puerto Rico Exploration trip in January of this year. The trip was geared towards comparing and contrasting California agriculture with Puerto Rican agriculture.  

“This was a once in a lifetime experience of being immersed in agriculture and culture,” Segoviano said. “I enjoyed the agricultural tours and being able to learn from my peers.” 

Segoviano’s biggest mentors are Alyssa Schager and Thomas Henderson, assistant professor in the College of Agriculture. She has worked closely with both professors for the past four years.  

“I look up to both faculty members because they have taught me what a good educator looks like. Both are so focused on student success, and they truly care about my well-being,” Segoviano said.  

Outside of academics, she enjoys leather tooling, spending time outdoors, and gardening. She is looking forward to starting the credential program this fall. Her goal is to become a high school agriculture teacher in Northern California then pursue a master’s degree in agriculture education.  

Robert Cetti

Plant and Soil Science

Robert Cetti, from Santa Maria, is majoring in plant and soil science with an option in crops and horticulture. His family ran a heavy equipment repair company for construction and agricultural machinery —which sparked his initial passion for the field—and he always admired the hard work his parents put into running their own business.  

In high school, he was actively involved in the FFA through career development events like vegetable and floral judging. These experiences developed his love for learning inside and outside of the classroom.  

Cetti had familiarity with Chico State because his older sister had attended the University for nursing. One of her roommates was studying plant and soil science, and after talking to her about the major and its opportunities, he decided to do the same. 

He is now on track to receive his certifications as a Pest Control Adviser and Certified Crop Adviser. He enjoys being in the field to gain hands-on experience in agriculture.  

His biggest accomplishments during college so far is being on the dean’s list each semester and participating in a summer internship through Desert Farms located north of Chico.  

“I am really excited to work at Desert Farms this summer. This is a dream internship, so I am looking forward to learning more about the agronomy side of agriculture as well as making new connections,” Cetti said.  

Some of Cetti’s best memories and experiences so far within the College of Agriculture is the real-world experience he is receiving in his classes. He thoroughly enjoys his lab classes like “Agriculture Ecology” (AGRI 331) and “Fruit and Nut Production” (PSSC 366). 

“I enjoy being able to be in my classroom and then getting to learn outside of the classroom through my labs and field trips,” Cetti said. “The College of Agriculture has great students and professors that create the best experiences.”  

Outside of academics he enjoys anything outdoors, like hiking and fishing. He also enjoys quality time with his family and friends and overseeing a small orchard back in his hometown.  

His favorite thing about Chico State is the small class to professor ratio, which allows a deeper connection with faculty. His greatest mentors within the College of Agriculture are Garrett Liles, Richard Rosecrance, and Ana Medic. In addition, his grandfather has been an instrumental part of his life which, has given him the inspiration and passion for the plant science side of agriculture.  

Cetti is looking forward to the rest of his time on campus and being out in the field to expand his knowledge about agriculture. He will graduate May of 2024 and hopes to find a successful career in the plant and soil science industry.

Josie Hernandez

Animal Science

Josie Hernandez grew up in Auburn and has a background in working with livestock—and she has always known she wanted to be involved in the agricultural industry. She is currently a senior at Chico State majoring in animal science, and she is on track to attend graduate school in animal biology to expand her knowledge about the agricultural industry.  

While growing up, she was actively involved in showing livestock at her county and state fair. She showed a variety of animals like sheep, goats, and cattle, which led her to her passion for animal science.  

“I am fascinated by the livestock industry. I want to dive deeper into the different mechanisms of how animals function and how to raise livestock in a sustainable way,” Hernandez said.  

Her mom was a Chico State alumna, and after touring campus during the spring of 2019 Hernandez imagined herself as a Wildcat one day. Since then, she has made her mark on the College of Agriculture by being a highly engaged student inside and outside the classroom.  

“I still remember my first tour of campus and seeing the tight-knit community of the College of Agriculture,” Hernandez said. “It had a family-oriented atmosphere, which is what I enjoyed most.”  

In the past four years, Hernandez has been involved in the Chico Sheep Association Club, Ag Ambassadors, CAVE, and Club Volleyball. She also helps with county fairs and serves as a coach for local 4-H and FFA members with their livestock projects.  

Hernandez’s accomplishments and dedication to her academics haven’t gone unnoticed. She has received the Lt. Rawlins Merit scholarship, the Wes and Jane Patton Student Advancement award, and honors in animal science. She also earned a spot on the dean’s list.  

She started interning at the sheep unit during her first year at Chico State, which developed into a part-time position. She enjoys the friendships she has developed with her co-workers over the past three years and networking with faculty and staff. Hernandez has also been a teaching assistant for “Introduction to Animal Science” (ANSC 101) for the past two years.  

“It is an amazing experience to go from an intern to being confident enough to make a decision on behalf of the entire unit and herd of sheep,” Hernandez said. “As a TA, each semester I have been given more tasks and responsibility within the class to be able to contribute more to help the younger agriculture students.” 

One of Hernandez’s college highlights has been participating in a variety of research projects within the college. She has been a part of three research teams, focusing on “Effects of Essential Oil Feed Additive,” “Livestock Mortality Composting,” and “The Effect of Comfort Essential Oil Blend on Heat Stress.” This research has helped her expand her knowledge about the animal science side of the agriculture industry.  

When thinking back on the past four years, Hernandez is most proud of her self-growth and confidence level and handling and raising livestock animals.  

“I am proud of my public speaking skills and the character I have developed during my college career. I knew that stepping outside of my comfort zone in college was worth it,” Hernandez said.  

Outside of academics and work, she raises a herd of Boer breeding goats. She also enjoys playing volleyball and being outside. Her most recent hobby is learning about livestock photography.  

Hernandez’s favorite part about the College of Agriculture is the faculty and staff. She loves the support and mentorship she has received the past four years. The college has an amazing sense of community because everyone is so friendly. A few faculty members that have stood out to her the most are Kate Moore, Celina Phillips, and Kasey DeAtley. These three teachers have been tremendous role models for Hernandez while at Chico State.  

“The courage and knowledge of each professor and lecturer I have taken classes with or just had a one-on-one conversation with have made me feel like I belong and helped me gain knowledge about myself to shape me more into the person I am today,” Hernandez said.  

Hernandez is looking forward to the next chapter of her life. Although is it bittersweet leaving Chico State after making so many friends and memories, she is excited to continue her education in graduate school.

Past Star Students

Agricultural Education:  Daniel Casas, Sydney Frazier, Emily Fuller, Taylor Lacey, Brett Baker, Kaeli McCarthy, Haylee Fonseca, Courtney Wright, Sarena Robertson, Trevor Airola, Kimberly Macintosh, Shelby West

Agricultural Business:  Kurt Sheppard, Jesus Barba, Abigail Pfister, Cassie Miguel, Austin Dowse, Seanna Griffis, Luke Benton, Dillon Johnson, Amie French, Christie Hobby, Elizabeth Hurd, Kelsey Maben

Animal Science:  Delaney Sarantopulos, Julia Brown, Samantha Poldervaart, Jennifer Perez, Victor Medina, Heather Foxworthy, Joel Wisniewski, Grace Woodmansee, Austin Fischer, Sarah Holloway, Sarah Albers, Simmie Stayer

Plant and Soil Science/Crops, Horticulture, and Land Resource Management:  Consuelo Baez Vega, Angel De Trinidad, Grace Christianson, Seth Myrick, Aaron Becerra-Alvarez, Suzette Turner, Jacquelyn Wasche, Devin Wilson, Tina Candelo-Mize, Kristina Moore, Joanna Bloese, Nick Pinkerton