What is your research about and what is the impact? How does it relate to the horticulture industry, what is the goal?

My research is focused on breeding for flavor and eating quality in table beet. I want to help create new varieties of plants that taste better and are better for you!

What groups or initiatives or hobbies are you working with on campus or in Madison?

When I’m not in the field or in the lab, you can find me playing banjo at a bluegrass jam, backpacking, canoeing, or filming videos for my YouTube channel, The Seed Scholar. Check out my channel to see videos about my research and some of the other cool projects happening in the department!

What inspires you to do the work you do?

Having grown up working at my family’s garden center and nursery, I always knew that I wanted to have a job that would keep me outside, working with plants. However, it was not until I became an undergraduate research assistant in the Rutgers Hazelnut Breeding Program that I discovered my passion for plant breeding. Having the opportunity to breed new plant varieties that can help people and the planet is what motivates me to learn as much as I can!