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

My research evaluates nitrogen and irrigation practices of Dark Red Kidney beans in Central Wisconsin. Its goal is to generate production recommendations for DRK bean growers in the area. By promoting a crop that demands less input and presents economic viability, we hope to alleviate the level of one of the major contaminants of groundwater in Central Wisconsin, nitrate.

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

I love street dancing. One of my favorite groups of people on campus is my dance crew. You can probably see us cypher by Mendota, perform in multiple venues and laugh really loud walking on the streets. I feel blessed to be surrounded by fellow dancers from my undergrad to this date.

If you went to the past, what would your younger self say they wanted to be when they grew up? What between then and now inspired the change in careers? 

I did not have a strong motivation to pursue a certain career or in a certain industry growing up. I was the kid who did OK in school but did not have a determined passion. I was frustrated for a long time for the lack of motivation and drive to pursue careers like my peers. But I found plant science interesting during several explorations in the wilderness and farm visits in the latter part of my college years. It was fascinating to know that this discipline investigates and showcases the science and art of plants. I got intrigued and the rest of the story flowed from there.