Alex Racelis

Alex Racelis is a Professor at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, serving as the Houston Endowed Chair of Science and Technology and Co-Director of the Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Advancement since September 2016. The center focuses on enhancing agricultural sustainability and advancing rural communities through a multidisciplinary approach. In addition, Alex Racelis holds the position of Associate Professor of Agroecology and Associate Dean for Community Engagement and Outreach at USDA since February 2022. Previously, Alex Racelis worked as a research ecologist at USDA-ARS and as an Assistant Professor of Environmental Science at The University of Texas - Pan American. Academic qualifications include a PhD in Environmental Studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and a Master's degree in Environmental Science from Florida International University, along with a Bachelor's degree in Biology and Environmental Science from UC Santa Barbara.