Arturo Macias Franco knows the struggles of being an international student. Born and raised in Torreon in the Mexican state of Coahuila, he came to the University of Nevada, Reno, for his undergraduate studies.

"I came to the university because it's what felt most like home. I come from a very dry region of northern Mexico that's very similar to Nevada. Instead of sagebrush, we have mesquite. It allowed me to work in the agricultural field in an environment that represents pretty much my country and where I grew up" he says. “It allows me to work on the research that allows me to solve problems here, in the US, and the world," he says.

As classes were small, Franco engaged with his professors often.

Arturo Macias Franco

First-year PhD student and MS in Animal and Rangeland Science graduate

“That allowed me to build the support system that I needed despite being away from home for so long,” he shares.