Workshop Alumni
You can use the below menu to view a list of any group of past nominated students that attended the professional development workshop:
« Matthew Agle (Agricultural and Extension Education)
Matt is a doctoral student in Agricultural and Extension Education at NCSU. He was raised on a vegetable farm south of Buffalo, NY. He earned a BS in food science from Cornell University where he played Sprint Football and was commissioned through ROTC. He earned a MS in animal science at University of Idaho studying nitrogen in dairy cattle. He deployed to Afghanistan training, advising, and conducting missions with the Afghan Army, and still serves in the National Guard. He lives in Cameron, NC with his wife and too many pets.
Anne Ballou (Poultry Science/Functional Genomics) »
Anne Ballou is seeking a doctorate in Functional Genomics, and her research focus is the impact of direct fed microbials on GI and whole-body health in poultry. A Kentucky native, she attended the University of Kentucky from 2003-2010, where she received a B.S. in Animal Science, and an M.S. in Nutrition. Her research at UK centered on the effects of diet on glucose transport capacity in the small intestine of cattle. Anne is interested in a career in exotic animal nutrition, researching the nutritional needs of the wild and non-native species in America's zoos and wildlife reserves, implementing solutions for improved health and reproductive potential. She enjoys life in Raleigh, reading, baking, and knitting.
« Justin Bradshaw (Microbiology)
Justin Bradshaw is pursuing a Doctorate of Microbiolgy from NC State University, with the intent of becoming an educator at the university level. Born and raised in Plymouth, North Carolina, Justin received his undergraduate degrees in Biological Sciences and Arts Applications: Music from North Carolina State University in 2006. In his spare time, Justin enjoys singing a cappella music, video games and spending time with his wonderful wife Liz and their pet rabbit Hannah.
Nancy Brill (Entomology) »
I am a third year PhD student in the Entomology Department. My research area focuses on understanding the biology and management of an invasive insect pest affecting the sweetpotato industry. I have always been passionate about researching agricultural pest management problems and educating others about practical solutions for their production systems. My ultimate desire is to help growers reduce pest pressure, particularly through integrated pest management strategies, so that consumers and the natural world will benefit from the production of food sources in a way that is safe for the environment, economically feasible, and socially acceptable.
« Alicain Carlson (Horticultural Science)
Alicain Carlson is a PhD student in Horticultural Science studying cut flower production and postharvest under the direction of Dr. John Dole. Alicain spent her childhood travelling the country due to her father's career with the US Army. She completed her BS in Biological Sciences at Virginia Tech in 2008, while working as a research and teaching assistant. She has an MS in Horticultural Science from NCSU. Alicain served as president of PAX and the HSGSA, was named an OFA Scholar, and received the Dr. Roy A. Larson Floriculture Scholarship. Alicain's career interests include research, teaching,and extension.
Satoko Chika (Department of Food, Bioprocessing, and Nutrition Sciences) »
Satoko Chika is a third year doctoral student in the Department of Food, Bioprocessing, and Nutrition Sciences. Her research focuses on early childhood obesity prevention and intervention. Satoko grew up in Japan. She earned her B.S. in Computer Science from University of Aizu in Japan, M.S. in Computer Science from Oklahoma State University, and M.S. in Human Nutrition from Washington State University. Satoko enjoys cooking, playing the piano, and traveling.
« Lauren Dembeck (Genetics)
Lauren Dembeck is a fourth year doctoral student in the Department of Genetics working with Dr. Trudy F. C. Mackay. Broadly, she studies evolutionary genetics, and, more specifically, variation in pigmentation and pheromones, trait divergence, and speciation in fruit flies. She completed a B.S. in biology at West Virginia University and a B.A. in foreign languages (Spanish). Lauren is from Wallace, WV, a small town embedded in a rural mountainous landscape. She enjoys kayaking, drawing and painting, and playing with her large, toothless cat, Dennis S. In the future, Lauren would like to join the faculty at a large research institution.
Laura Edwards (Molecular and Structural Biochemistry) »
Laura Edwards is a second year doctoral student in the Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry. Laura, born and raised in North Carolina, earned her B.S. in Biochemistry and B.A. in Chemistry in 2007 from NC State University. She took three years off to work in the biotech industry as a research scientist, but couldn't get enough of NC State so she is now pursing a Ph.D. here. Her research is focused on monitoring and quantitating phosphorylation events along the MEK/ERK signal transduction pathway in mouse fibroblast cells using Mass Spectrometry. When she isn't in the lab, she enjoys traveling, going to concerts, cycling, and spending time with her cat, Bebe.
« Tim Ellis (Biology)
Tim Ellis is a doctoral student in the Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology Program. He received his M.S. in Zoology from NCSU in 2007 and his B.S. in Biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2002. His research interests center on addressing ecological questions that apply to fisheries management. When he is not tagging and tracking spotted seatrout for his dissertation research, Tim enjoys time with his wife and two dogs.
Canon Engoke (Soil Science) »
Canon Engoke is a doctoral student in the department of Soil Science at North Carolina State University. He was born and raised in Nairobi Kenya. He received his B.Sc. Agriculture and M.Sc. Soil Science from University of Nairobi (Kenya). He served in several capacities in agricultural research for 9 years before joining North Carolina State University. Currently, he is working under Dr. Carl Crozier at NCSU, on Verification of Poultry Manure Nutrient Availability Coefficient for Crop Production in North Carolina Soils. Canon's interests outside of soil science are reggae music, travelling, making friends and socializing with them.
« Ellen Glista (Molecular and Cellular Toxicology)
Ellen grew up in Ohio and graduated from the University of Mount Union in 2007 with a degree in Biochemistry. Upon graduation she moved down to North Carolina and worked for a pharmaceutical company before returning back to school in 2008. She is currently a fourth year doctoral student in the department of Toxicology. In her spare time she loves playing dodgeball and kickball and is looking forward to college football Saturdays in the Fall.
Bo-wen Huang (Environmental and Molecular Toxicology) »
Bowen Huang is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Toxicology. His research interest focuses on oxidative stress and anti-oxidation gene transcriptional regulation. He received his M.S. in Biological Science and Technology from National Chiao Tung University, Taiwan. He will complete his Ph.D. at North Carolina State University in 2012. In his spare time, he enjoys cooking, traveling, gardening and language-learning.
« Yi Jian Huang (Animal Science/ Functional Genomics )
Yi Jian Huang is a doctoral student in Animal Science and Functional Genomics in North Carolina State University. She also minors in Statistic. She focuses on animal breeding and genetics. She received her BS of Applied Biotechnology in Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China. She is currently working on analysis of genetic markers on food animals. When she is not working on numbers, she likes to do baking, traveling and volunteering.
Jonathan Lee (Economics) »
Jonathan Lee is currently pursuing a PhD in economics at North Carolina State University. His areas of specialization include environmental economics and industrial organization. Jonathan received a BA in economics from UNC Chapel Hill, and a MS in economics from UNC Charlotte. He is completing his educational tour of North Carolina universities at NC State where he will graduate in the spring of 2012.
« Wanida Lewis (Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences)
Wanida Lewis is currently pursuing her doctoral degree in Food Science. She was born in Philadelphia, Pa and raised in Glassboro, NJ. Wanida completed her bachelor's of science degree in chemistry from Saint Augustine's College in 2005. She received her Master's degree in analytical chemistry and a minor in biochemistry from North Carolina Central University in 2008. Her current research at NC State pertains to investigating the anti-inlfammatory properties of peanut skins. After completing her PhD in 2012, Wanida is interested in pursuing a research career in investigating the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of fruits and vegetables. In her spare time, Wanida enjoys running, cooking, traveling, and crocheting.
Peter Maloney (Crop Science) »
Peter is a doctoral student in the Crop Science Department. He comes from a family farm in Brownsburg, IN near Indianapolis. He received a bachelors degree from the Purdue University Agronomy Department where he competed in inter collegiate sailing and belonged to the Tomahawk Service Fraternity. He has since been at NC State since June 2007 where he received is Master's Degree in Plant breeding in December 2009. He is currently pursuing a doctorate in Plant breeding which he plans on using to pursue a career as a Plant Breeder.
« Tiffany Messer (Biological and Agricultural Engineering)
Tiffany Messer is currently seeking a Ph.D. in Biological and Agricultural Engineering at North Carolina State University. She was raised on a farm outside of Lexington, KY, where she developed her interest in water quality. She received her B.S. in Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering from the University of Kentucky in 2008. Shortly after her undergraduate career she moved to North Carolina, where she attained her M.S. in Biological and Agricultural Engineering at North Carolina State University focusing on riparian buffer nitrogen dynamics. She is currently studying agricultural wetland restoration water quality benefits and hydraulic loading limits. Following the completion of her Ph.D. she aspires to have a career in academia involving teaching and extension. Tiffany enjoys reading, jogging, and spending time with her wonderful husband Patrick and their West Highland Terrier Oliver.
Colby Moorberg (Soil Science) »
Colby Moorberg is a doctoral student in the Dept. of Soil Science. His research focuses on wetland restoration, soil physics, and wetland soils. Colby received his M.S. in soil science from NCSU in 2010. He grew up on a family farm in Iowa, and earned his B.S. degree in environmental science in 2008 from Iowa State University of Science and Technology. During his spare time, Colby enjoys cycling, camping, and canoeing with his wife, Stacy.
« Clayton Morrison (Microbiology)
Clayton is a fourth year doctoral student in the Department of Microbiology, where he studies viral pathogenesis of the West Nile Virus. Originally from Atlanta, GA, Clayton received a BS degree in Microbiology from the University of Georgia ('05) and a MS degree in Biology from Georgia College & State University ('07). In his limited free time, he enjoys camping, fishing, watching UGA football (GO DAWGS!) and hanging out with his dog Baxter.
Keena Mullen (Animal Science) »
Keena Mullen is a doctoral student in the Department of Animal Science studying alternative management strategies for dairy cattle. She was born and raised in Washington State, and received her B.S. in Animal Science at Washington State University. She enjoys working closely with farmers both through her research and participation in extension programs. When not in the lab or on farms, Keena enjoys riding horses and playing the 'cello with the Raleigh Civic Symphony.
« Suzanne O'Connell (Horticultural Science)
Suzanne is currently pursuing a PhD in Horticultural and Soil Science. Her interests include both production and policy aspects of organic farming practices. She seems to be following a Southern trajectory. Raised in Massachusetts, she attained a B.A. from Barnard College in NYC. Suzanne began graduate studies at NCSU in 2006 and recently returned from a year-abroad in Honduras as a Fulbright Research Scholar. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, kayaking, traveling, and cooking.
Rodrigo Olarte (Plant Pathology) »
Rod Olarte is a doctoral student in the department of Plant Pathology. He was born in the Philippines, but grew up near the San Francisco Bay (California). He received a B.A in Molecular and Cell Biology with an emphasis in Cell and Developmental Biology at the University of California at Berkeley, and later completed a Masters in Plant Pathology at Cornell University in upstate New York. He is currently studying the ramifications of sex in regard to toxin heritability in experimental crosses of the fungus Aspergillus flavus and has a long-term goal of finding more effective ways of controlling this fungus in nature. He appreciates good food, art, music, honest company, and a nice fitting pair of designer jeans!
« Justin Post (Statistics)
Justin is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in statistics and holding the job of statistical consultant to master's and Ph.D students in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences department. He plans to become a professor that focuses on teaching that will hopefully be able to perform consulting on the side. Justin is originally from the Meadville Pennsylvania area and obtained a B.S. in mathematics at Penn State Behrend. In his free time he enjoys playing and learning almost any sport enjoying volleyball and basketball the most.
Alex Putman (Plant Pathology) »
Alex Putman was raised in Bristol, CT. He received a B.S. in Natural Resource Sciences from the University of Maryland, then returned to his home state and earned an M.S. in Agronomy from the University of Connecticut. Alex is currently seeking a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology with a minor in Biotechnology, and his research focuses on the population evolution and structure of an important fungal disease of turfgrass. Following graduation, he is interested in performing some combination of research, teaching, or extension as a plant pathologist. Outside of school, Alex enjoys reading, writing, running, sailing, cooking, traveling, and sharing time and laughter with friends and family.
« Feng Qiu (Agricultural and Resource Economics)
Feng Qiu was born in Zhejiang, China. She came to the United States for graduate study in fall 2004. After earning her master's degree in Economics at North Carolina State University in 2006, she began her Ph.D. study of Agricultural Economics. Feng is currently a Ph.D. candidate whose dissertation focuses on agricultural policy analysis. She is also broadly interested in price analysis, agricultural production and supply, applied spatial statistics, and risk and insurance modeling. In addition to research, she has sharpened her teaching skills. Under the guidance and support of the excellent faculty here at NCSU, she is training herself to become a researcher and teacher in agricultural and resource economics. Feng has been recognized both as the University and the College Outstanding Graduate Teaching awards winner at NCSU. She is also the 2011 recipient of the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA) Graduate Student Teaching Award. Feng finds doing research and working with students to be very exciting and she has decided to make research and teaching her career. In her leisure time she enjoys traveling and shopping.
Jill Recker (Crop Science) »
Jill Recker is a doctoral student in the Crop Science Department. She grew up on a family farm in northwest Ohio and completed her B.S. in Agronomy, with a concentration in Plant Breeding and Genetics, at Purdue University in December of 2007. Jill moved to North Carolina in August of 2008 and completed her Masters in Plant Breeding at NCSU in August of 2010. Her current research focuses on identifying novel resistance genes to two fungi that infect maize worldwide. She hopes to complete her research in 2013. Jill enjoys cooking, trying new things, and meeting new people.
« Efrain Rivera Serrano (Plant Biology)
Efraín Rivera is a doctoral student in the Department of Plant Biology. He was born and raised in the south coast of Puerto Rico, where he developed his passion for botany and exotic bird breeding. He received his B.S. in Biology and Chemistry at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Puerto Rico. During his undergraduate years, he studied the effect of medicinal plants in glucose metabolism using mammalian tissue culture as a model system. His doctoral research focuses on using chemical genetics approaches to study and dissect protein trafficking pathways to the vacuole membrane in Arabidopsis thaliana. During his free time, Efraín enjoys hiking, traveling, learning (and teaching) new languages; as well as photography.
Juan Rosario (Genetics) »
Juan is a doctorate candidate in the Genetics department. Juan is from Puerto Rico and came to Virginia in 1997 to continue his education. He earned a B.S. in Biological Sciences from Norfolk State University. He worked at LabCorp. of America in Research Triangle Park for 5 years as a chemist in the GCMS department. At this moment, he is in the 4th year of his Ph D and is interested in limb development and differentiation in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. His goal is to become a college professor and help other students by positively motivating their interest in science.
« Siddharth Roy (Statistics)
Sidd is entering his 4th year as a doctoral student in the Department of Statistics. His research focuses on analyzing genetic data that is obtained from cancer studies. He grew up in Germantown, MD and obtained his bachelor’s at the University of Maryland College Park in Math and Biological Resources Engineering. In his free time, he enjoys lifting, running, playing tennis, and playing guitar.
Virna Saenz (Entomology) »
I was born and raised in Chimbote, Peru. I am a third year PhD student and I have always been interested on studying insects that affect human health. My current research project is on bed bug population genetics and disease transmission. My professional interests include; research, teaching and outreach. I enjoy running, reading, dancing and cooking but what I love the most is spending time with my husband and ferrets.
« Alana Sullivan (Biology)
Alana W. Sullivan received a B.S. in Zoology from NCSU in 2000 and returned to NCSU in 2008 to pursue a PhD in Biology, specializing in behavioral endocrinology. During those 7 years she mostly worked in Research Virology, Drug Discovery where she designed, implemented, and managed cell-based HTS anitviral assays as well as cytotox assays. Now, in the Patisaul Lab she examines how early exposure to endocrine disrupting compounds alters juvenile and adult rodent behaviors.
Adrienn Uzsak (Entomology) »
Adrienn Uzsak is in her third year as a doctoral student at the Department of Entomology. She was born in Hungary. She completed her B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Biology with minors in Ecology and Special Translation at the University of Debrecen, Hungary. Her PhD research is focusing on the social facilitation of reproduction in the German cockroach with which she hopes to contribute to developing new control strategies targeting the reproductive status of the insect. As for her career interests, she is interested in research and extension but she is open for teaching as well. In her spare time, Adrienn enjoys outdoor sports, running, kayaking and rock climbing.
« Ziyu Wang (Biological and Agricultural Engineering)
Ziyu Wang is a third year doctoral student in the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering at NC State University. He was born and raised in Jiangxi province of China. Prior to his Ph.D. study, he obtained his B.E. degree in Bioengineering from Beijing University of Chemical Technology in 2006, and his M.S. degree in Biological Engineering from NC State in 2008. His current research focuses on the chemical pretreatment of cellulosic biomass and design of superior cellulolytic enzymes to improve carbohydrates conversion efficiency for biofuels production. After completing his PhD he is interested in starting a career in the biofuels industry. Beyond his research time, he likes to play basketball, swim, watch movies, and travel around.
Alice Wines (Plant Biology) »
Alice Wines is a fourth year Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Plant Biology. Her current research focus is drought mortality in deciduous trees. She is a North Carolina native, and received her B.S. in Mathematics and Biology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She finds both teaching and research greatly rewarding and plans to continue down the academic path. In addition to academic pursuits, she enjoys relaxing with her husband as well as running, biking, swimming and weight lifting.
« Yi Xu (Poultry Science)
Yi Frank Xu is second year doctoral student in the Departemnt of Poultry Science. Before Frank came here from China on Aug. 2010, he worked for American Soybean Association for 3.5 years. He received his Master's degree of Animal Science on 2004, and then worked in industry. He is currently working on feed processing and broiler performance, and he is interested in going back to feed industry after completing his Ph D. He really enjoys exploring the new experience, such as travel, reading and making new friends.
