What brought you to UGA? I came to UGA because of its dedicated plant resources and community. I had been talking to some of the prospective professors I wanted to work with prior to applying and I felt like I really connected with them; compared to other universities, they seemed eager to help me learn plant genetics and develop my skills as a researcher. 

What are your research/study interests? My research interests have been in genetics, bioinformatics, and the biochemistry of plants.

What has been a benefit of being part of IPS?/How did it help you select your program? Rotating had been a great benefit to selecting my program and major professor. Without it, I would have had to do a lot of the legwork prior to attending UGA, from behind a computer screen. With the semester dedicated to finding my way around UGA, talking with people and faculty in person, and getting hands-on experience in three prospective labs, I felt like I was able to make a choice that was best fit for me.

What are your career goals? My career goals are aligned toward the industry for crop improvement. Before applying to UGA, I realized a lot of plant science jobs now require graduate education beyond a B.S. degree. By obtaining my Ph.D., I know many more doors will be open.

Who is your major professor? Dr. Esther van der Knaap