CAIA announces scholarship recepients

The California Agricultural Irrigation Association announced the recipients of its 2025–2026 Scholarship Program, honoring exceptional students who demonstrate leadership, technical expertise, and a commitment to advancing irrigation and water resource management in agriculture. These scholars represent the future of sustainable water solutions for California’s farming communities, according to CAIA. 

AVIDWATER and Yardney Water Filtration Systems 

Tatiana Avila 

Tatiana is a third-year BioResource and Agricultural Engineering major at Cal Poly. Since her freshman year, she has worked with the Irrigation Training & Research Center (ITRC) as a shop and irrigation technician. This summer, she joined the San Joaquin Valley irrigation evaluation team, gaining hands-on experience with drip and micro irrigation systems. Active in the Agricultural Engineering Society, Tatiana aspires to a career in irrigation engineering to support agricultural and ranching communities. In her free time, she enjoys running, backpacking, mountain biking, and woodworking. 

Superior 

Iris Benoit 

A fourth-year BioResource and Agricultural Engineering student, Iris began working with ITRC in fall 2023 and spent a summer evaluating irrigation systems along the central coast. She has completed four irrigation-related courses and plans to pursue a career in water resources engineering after graduating in spring. 

Yardney Water Filtration Systems 

James Casper 

James is a senior BioResource and Agricultural Engineering major at Cal Poly. At ITRC, he conducted irrigation evaluations, maintained facilities, and assisted with short courses. Outside agriculture, James is active in Army ROTC, new student orientation, and serves as a resident advisor. He hopes to combine technical and leadership skills to make a positive impact in irrigation engineering. 

Gracie Chavez 

Gracie, a senior Agricultural Systems Management major, has worked at ITRC for three years and gained experience with Del Puerto Water District and Shafter-Wasco Irrigation District. She plans to pursue district management and an MBA to strengthen her role in California’s water industry. Growing up in the Central Valley, Gracie is passionate about giving back to her community. 

Jade Meichtry 

Jade is a senior transfer student majoring in BioResource and Agricultural Engineering. Since January 2025, she has contributed to field evaluations, marketing, and community irrigation classes at ITRC. Jade is also involved in campus organizations and USDA-funded research on ultrafine bubbles for agricultural innovation. She hopes to advance water and irrigation engineering while raising her five children. 

Erin Psaila 

Erin is a third-year BioResource and Agricultural Engineering major who joined ITRC in January. She completed irrigation evaluations along California’s coast and advocates for sustainability through the Engineering for One Planet program. Erin plans to continue her education in water engineering and focus on irrigation solutions. 

Laurel Ag & Water 

Melanie Orozco Gonzales 

Melanie, a third-year BioResource and Agricultural Engineering major from Holtville, CA, serves as Vice President of the Agricultural Engineering Society and is active in ASABE. She has worked at ITRC for nearly a year and aims to integrate technology and engineering to address water challenges in agriculture. 

Superior 

Abraham Jauregui 

Abraham is a senior BioResource and Agricultural Engineering student from Madera Ranchos, CA. With over two years at ITRC, he has conducted farm evaluations, sprinkler uniformity tests, and flow rate assessments. Abraham is committed to improving irrigation systems for California growers. 

Fresno Valves & Castings and Western Ag Irrigation 

CurtLynn Wendt 

CurtLynn transferred from College of the Sequoias and is now a senior in BioResource and Agricultural Engineering. She worked on irrigation evaluations across California and is active in the tractor pull team and Agricultural Engineering Society. CurtLynn hopes to help farmers optimize irrigation systems for better efficiency and yield.