Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science student explores a future in sustainability and waste reduction at the Herbert College of Agriculture
Where are you from, and why did you decide to attend the UT Herbert College of Agriculture?
I am from Chattanooga, Tennessee, and I decided to attend Herbert after looking into the faculty working at the college. I was looking for research and action-oriented setting and Herbert fit the bill perfectly.
What is your major and why?
My major is Environmental and Soil Science within the Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science. I chose this major because I want to work on the teams that help solve problems in food production and other large-scale issues.
What has been your favorite class and who is your favorite professor? Why?
My favorite class has been soil physics, and my favorite professor has been Dr. Eash in my nutrient management and soils and civilizations classes. I loved soil physics because I found it interesting to learn and use equations while calculating properties of the soil, and my professor Dr. Tyner had a background in engineering, which made it easier for me to understand some of the more complex concepts.
Dr. Eash has been one of my favorite professors over my time in Herbert because we both share similar interests in research and are dedicated to the field. Without his presence in my time at Herbert, I would not be as committed to the major and career as I am now.
How do you envision your future career in biosystems engineering and soil science contributing to sustainability efforts on a larger scale?
I’ve always wanted to make an impact on sustainability and reducing waste, and I believe my time in the department has empowered me to do so. Within our current system of food production, and most other things as well, there is a large amount of waste and inefficiency. I believe I now have the knowledge and skills to fulfill my goal of being involved in the change.
In what ways have you gotten involved on campus and how have these opportunities contributed to your experience at UT?
On campus I have done research under a doctoral candidate, have been the ambassador for the Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science on the Dean’s Student Advisory Council, and I am currently the director of community service for UT Knoxville’s chapter of National Society of Leadership and Success. Through all of these experiences, I have had the opportunity to meet the people behind and within these programs who have a large part in the community life on campus.
What has been your most memorable experience at Herbert so far?
My most memorable experience in Herbert was with the Tennessee RiverLine program when they came to kayak and clean Third Creek. It was amazing to see our side of campus be the center of cleaning efforts, as well as all the different people that came out. Meeting faculty and students who were involved in the nonprofit was powerful and gave me a lot of hope for the future of Herbert.
How has your experience in the Herbert College of Agriculture prepared you to enter the field?
Herbert has shaped me into a better researcher, learner, and teammate through my extensive time spent in labs and classes. I owe all of my both technical and general skills to my labs and one-on-ones with professors, where my growth as a person was prioritized.
What would you say to someone who is considering applying to the Herbert College of Agriculture?
I would tell them it is a rare and amazing opportunity in which students are truly put first. The effort that the Herbert College of Agriculture puts into getting students experience, preparing their resume, and landing students in actual roles is bar none. Herbert also listens intently to student feedback and acts upon that feedback with measurable and significant changes.
What is one thing you’re excited about for the current school year?
I am excited for my Teaching Assistant position within Herbert as I have wanted to work more with my peers and the younger group of students in my department. I also look forward to any research or connecting opportunities within the college for my final year.
What do you like to do outside of school and/or what is a fun fact about yourself that your fellow students and professors may not know?
Outside of school I spend most of my time in Knoxville’s parks whether its trail running, playing pickleball, going on a hike, or doing a round of disc golf. I try to take full advantage of our city and all the great things it has to offer.
A fun fact about me is that in a small town in North Carolina I am known for holding Viking funerals for birds because twice I have found myself holding them.
