Student Spotlight: Gabriella Martens

Gabriella Martens
Meet Gabriella Martens, a recent graduate who majored in plant pathology with an agronomy minor from Wyoming, Iowa.
December 7, 2020

Hometown: Wyoming, Iowa 

Major: Plant Pathology; Agronomy minor

Anticipated Date of Graduation: December 2020 

Why did you decide to come to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln? 

There are not many graduate programs for plant pathology, UNL does however have a strong plant path program. While in undergrad, I accepted an internship in Nebraska which introduced me to my current advisor. 

What is your favorite thing about University of Nebraska-Lincoln? 

The sense of community. I spend most of my time on East Campus, which is very fitting for me since I grew up in a small town and East Campus is a bit smaller. My department in undergrad was small and now in graduate school, our department is also small and very tight knit. It is definitely a perk to have the Dairy Store on East Campus, as well! 

How has diversity and inclusive excellence played a role in your CASNR experience? 

Although as a graduate student many of my classes have been quite small, some of my larger classes were very diverse. CASNR graduate students are incredibly diverse, as they include international students from across the world. Having the opportunity to have international peers is incredible; there is so much we can learn from one another. 

What is your favorite class you have taken so far and why? 

My favorite class I have taken so far is a special topics graduate class, integrated plant health diagnostics. This was my favorite class because the skills we developed during the class are skills that I will need for my future career. 

What are your plans post-graduation? 

After graduation I hope to start a job as an agronomist for a seed company and relocate to north central Iowa. 

What’s life like outside of school? 

Outside of school I love to be outdoors and travel. I love to bake and play sports to de-stress. I live with a couple of friends and a sassy German shepherd named Kita. 

Gabriella has received a graduate research assistantship for scholarships.

 

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Plant Pathology | Agronomy