Hometown:Oskaloosa, Iowa
Major:Weed Science
Anticipated Date of Graduation:Spring 2020
Why did you decide to come to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln?
The Doctor of Plant Health program sets Nebraska apart from many other graduate school programs I considered. As a doctoral level plant practitioner program, it is one of two programs in the United States of its kind. Plus, I felt right at home on east campus!
What is your favorite thing about the University of Nebraska–Lincoln?
My favorite part about UNL is having hands-on experience in the classroom so I can continue to add to my portfolio. People say the University is big, but I run into people I know every day so I also love how close-knit CASNR is. The network and connections I have gained at UNL are invaluable in getting a jump start in my career.
How has diversity and inclusive excellence played a role in your CASNR experience?
Since my arrival at UNL I have been extremely impressed in the diversity of students in graduate school. I have had the opportunity to directly work with students from Brazil, Serbian, China, Turkey, Mexico, Canada, Argentina, Egypt, Rwanda, and I’m sure many others! Throughout this entire experience, I’ve found our cultural differences to be refreshing. The quality of students I have had the opportunity to work with has been absolutely excellent!
What is your favorite class you have taken so far, and why?
My favorite class is easily the Weed Science Contest Prep Class, now taught by Dr. Chris Proctor, Alex Rosa and Milos Zaric. It’s a course designed to prepare graduate and undergraduate students for the weed science society contests hosted during the summer. Focusing on identification of weed species, herbicide injuries to crops, and my favorite part (the farmer problem) It’s a great class for undergraduate and graduate students alike who will work with herbicides and agronomic problem solving after graduation. I highly recommend it!
What are your plans, post-graduation?
Right now, I’m focused on graduating from my degree programs, but after graduation I plan to work either in industry in an agronomic role or pursue a teaching role in academia. Only time will tell!
What’s life like outside of school?
An explorer at heart, whenever there is a lull in my graduate research, courses, and teaching responsibilities I have tried to get out and explore Nebraska. From hiking up the bluffs at Scottsbluff, surveying the forest from the fire-watch tower Nebraska’s National Forest, to touring the Ashfall Fossil Beds, I’ve had a great deal of fun traveling across the great state of Nebraska!