Lincoln, Neb. —
What is your position at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
I am an Assistant Professor and Meat Extension Specialist.
What drew you to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
The reality is, Nebraska is a leader in agriculture the fact that Nebraska and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have committed to promoting, protecting, and growing their agricultural industries through novel research and applied technologies– that excites me, and that is what drew me to UNL.
What aspect of working in an educational setting do you enjoy the most?
I love the impact! The impact of teaching the next generation of leaders, the impact of conducting meaningful research, and the impact of applying research and technologies to improve our industries make work feel meaningful.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Being a scientist is a long road. You don’t get to look over your shoulder at the end of the day, week, or even month and say, “Wow, look what I did!” It takes years and years – but as an academic scientist – we do get to see daily progress in our work as educators and mentors. For me, that is my greatest achievement, and it likely always will be. Helping young people find a passion, grow as both a leader and scientist, and help them go on to achieve their goals. Nothing is going to top that, and so even in my short career thus far, I can look over my shoulder and say, “Wow, that student went on to do incredible things, and I played a part in that.” That is a pretty great feeling, and achievement.
What is something that most people don’t know about you?
I played rugby at Southern Illinois University – Carbondale for 4 years.
What is your life like outside of work?
Life outside of work looks like 90’s country music turned up real loud and enjoying all the simple things.