Central New Mexico Community College Biology Instructor Sierra Netz says it's not what her students can do for her, it's what she can do for them.

Central New Mexico Community College announced in a news release issued July 6 that Netz had been awarded United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)'s E. Kika De La Garza Fellowship. The fellowship aims to facilitate connections between college faculty and staff from Hispanic-serving institutions and the federal department's leaders, according to news release.

Netz said in the news release that her focus is on her students.

"It's a real privilege to get to know my students and see all of the things they're capable of, and I’m really looking forward to seeing what opportunities I can add to the table for them,” Netz said in the news release. 

Netz had taught Biology at Central New Mexico Community College for a decade when she applied for the fellowship, which is named for former Texas House Representative and Agriculture Committee Chair E. Kika De La Garza. Fellowship recipients such as Sierra Netz gain insights into various USDA agencies and available career opportunities, which they may then share with their institutions, students and local communities.

"New Mexico is a very vulnerable state when it comes to agriculture, and it will only become increasingly challenging over time because of climate change and other factors," Netz said. "By making these connections, I’m hopeful that more of our students will be inspired to work for these agencies and represent New Mexico’s needs at the federal level."

Netz, a New Mexico native, said her trip to Washington on July 9 presented an opportunity to bring back valuable insights to share with her students.

"The USDA spans so many different areas and there are so many career opportunities at the federal level," Netz said. "I'm just so honored and excited to participate in this fellowship and provide students with an expanded idea of what kind of opportunities are out there"