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Biography

Expected Graduation: May 2027
Majors: Business Administration
Research Topic(s): Controlled Environment Agriculture and food systems, centered on research and development  /Agriculture & Environmental Sciences;  Business & Management; 
Faculty Mentor Name and Department:Dr. Angela Cottrell, MIDE  

I got started with undergraduate research during my welcome week of freshman year after attending an informational session about becoming an Undergraduate Research Associate. I stayed connected with the program, and when an opportunity opened to work under the mentorship of Dr. Angela Cottrell, I applied and was selected. I have been lucky enough to continue working alongside her for the past three years, growing both academically and professionally through that experience. 

As an undergraduate researcher, my role is best described as a “jack of all trades.” I was the student who brought a hydroponic Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) system into Flarsheim Hall near the MIDE office, where I grow lettuce that is donated directly to the Kangaroo Pantry at the Dr. Raj Bala Agrawal Care Center. Beyond that, I am currently working on scaling Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) efforts within the community, beginning with the marketing of a CEA Certification Program. This program will be º£½ÇÂÛ̳’s first undergraduate, multi-institutional certification of its kind. 

I continue to do undergraduate research because of the meaningful relationship I have developed with my mentor. My experience goes far beyond a regular professor–student relationship; Dr. Angela Cottrell has always guided, mentored, and supported me throughout my undergraduate career. While I enjoy learning, researching, and working, it’s the valuable mentorship that keeps me engaged and motivated. Having a mentor who believes in my work and invests in my growth has made undergraduate research one of the most impactful parts of my º£½ÇÂÛ̳ experience.