Miguel is lifelong Northern California native (Chico area) for over 40 plus years. While working on his B.S. Agriculture with an emphasis in Crops and Horticulture degree from CSU, Chico, he immersed himself in Agricultural research in walnut, almond, olive oil and table olive production systems. Areas of focus have been in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) as well as cultural practice manipulation to investigate the effects of canopy management on plant phenology (fruit set) and photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) interception. Aiding in their studies as a lab assistant for field data collection, he built an extensive rapport with local Cooperative Extension Farm Advisors, professors and agricultural industry professionals. Other passions range from landscape photography, hiking a mountainous or coastal trail, camping, house renovation projects, or visiting a movie theater to enjoy the cinematic arts.