Valentina “Valen” Erline, an assistant in Trisyono’s lab, dissects rice stalks to test for mortality of yellow stem borer (Scirpophaga incertulas) three days after an application of fipronil. She first became interested in agriculture through her uncle, who would bring his plant breeding work home and allow 8-year-old Valen to help with the research. (Photo credit: Laura Kraft)