PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas – Upcoming Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) graduate Zulfa M. Eisa has a lifelong goal to help others in need. The Houston native plans to use her new bachelor’s degree in agriculture with a concentration in plant and soil sciences to serve her community.
“I am interested in agriculture and working in the field to help people,” she said. “I desire to be of service to others because of my experiences working with organizations that are focused on helping communities.”
Eisa started her journey on “The Hill” after obtaining an associate degree in science from Houston Community College. She joined PVAMU’s chapter of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS), and the Kappa Omicron Nu National Honor Society. Last fall, she was one of six PVAMU students selected for the United States Department of Agriculture’s USDA/1890 National Scholars Program. The program provides scholarships to students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in any field concerning agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, and other related entities.
Eisa pictured second from right alongside fellow CAHS students/USDA/1890 National Scholars.
This summer, she landed an internship with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service to work as a soil conservation technician.
“I consider this internship my greatest achievement because it gave me an opportunity to gain experiences that I would have missed if I was not selected,” she said. “I acquired knowledge, theoretical practice, and real-life experience and skills related to my future professional career. Besides the experience, it also helped me to meet my financial needs, and that helped me to focus more intensely on my education in order to obtain my goal of completing my B.S. degree.”
And, Eisa’s degree concentration in plant and soil sciences is exactly what she is passionate about.
“In 2018, I interned with PVAMU’s Cooperative Agricultural Research Center, and my research was focused on analyzing the Effects of Soil Types on Irrigation Water Requirements of Different Crops. That same year, I was also named an Irrigation E3 winner. E3 stands for Exposure, Experience, and Education. As a winner of the E3 program, I joined the Irrigation E3 class of 2018 and participated in the International Irrigation Show in California,” she said.
Eisa’s is well versed in displaying her soil research. Throughout her college career, she has presented it multiple times – once at the 16th Annual Texas A&M University System Pathways Research Symposium in Laredo, Texas, and another time in Jacksonville, Florida, at the Association of 1890 Research Directors, Inc. (ARD) Symposium. The presentation in Jacksonville helped her secure a job following graduation.
“I found out about the opportunity when I went to the ARD Research Symposium in 2019 and, after coming back to PVAMU, I applied. USDA Liaison Mr. Horace Hodge here at PVAMU supported me by explaining the procedures and processes to complete my application. Through this position, I look forward to continuing to learn more about agricultural science.”
In terms of attending PVAMU, Eisa says she always knew she’d be here.
Zulfa M. Eisa
“I attended PVAMU because I wanted to study agriculture, and PVAMU is the only university near Houston that provides a B.S. in Agriculture,” she said. “Besides, some of my friends and colleagues who attended PVAMU encouraged me to apply. I’m so glad I did because PVAMU provided me with all the resources and support that I needed to achieve my goal. I consider all of the faculty and staff here a part of my success.”
Eisa has advice to future Panthers looking for success – keep your eyes on the prize, and reach out if you need help.
“Focus on your goals, and use your time wisely. Communicate with faculty members if you face any kind of difficulties or struggles with some of your classes. They are always there for you, and they will provide all assistance to help you to get back on track or achieve your goal.”
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