Greg Bernal-Mendoza Smestad is an eighth generation descendant
of several members of the 1775-1776 Anza expedition. Like many descendants
of the expedition (Californios), he also has several American Indian
ancestors. Like many Americans, his ancestry also reflects a mixture
of immigrants from many lands. A chemist and materials scientist
by training, his
vocation involves research in solar energy. He has taught both
science and policy classes related to these fields, has written
a book on the “Optoelectronics of Solar Cells,” and has created
educational products to teach basic science. While these topics
are far from those of Early California History, he has never forgotten
what his
maternal grandmother said about the importance of the Anza expeditions
and the role they played in his ancestors’ lives. Through Challenge
Cost Share Program funds from the U.S. Department of the Interior
National Park Service, he developed the Anza Trail Guide and CD
to inspire the stewardship of this land and the preservation of
our cultural heritage.