H.R. No. 1844 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, Melinda Martinez, an outstanding student at Texas A&M University--Corpus Christi, has deservedly been named a 2015 USDA graduate fellow; and WHEREAS, USDA graduate fellows are pursuing master's degrees in agriculture, biology, or sustainable food systems; Ms. Lopez was one of only 20 honorees from across the nation chosen to attend a Career Preparation Institute in March that was held in conjunction with the National Conference of the American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education; and WHEREAS, After earning a bachelor's degree in marine and freshwater biology from The University of Texas at Austin, Ms. Martinez served as a research assistant at Centro Ecológico Akumal in Quintana Roo, Mexico, where she aided sea grass conservation efforts for marine protected areas and helped develop a sea grass monitoring program in Puerto Morelos; today, she is working toward a master's degree in environmental science at TAMU--CC by researching short-term wetland sediment accretion rates on Mustang Island at the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies; in addition, she gives generously of her time and talents in behalf of the Texas High School Coastal Monitoring Program, which teaches area students how to measure beach profiles and observe the beach and dune environment; and WHEREAS, This talented individual has distinguished herself through her hard work and dedication, and her ongoing commitment to excellence truly heralds a future bright with promise; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Melinda Martinez on her selection as a 2015 USDA graduate fellow and extend to her sincere best wishes for continued success in all her endeavors; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Ms. Martinez as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Herrero ______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1844 was adopted by the House on May 7, 2015, by a non-record vote. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House