My passion for weed science stems from real-world experience. Prior to pursuing higher education, I began farming on my own, raising corn and soybeans. I had found that weed management was one of the most difficult parts of my operation. At that point, I was a novice. I had no idea how different herbicides interacted with weeds or what production practices could actually lead to more weeds when I thought I was reducing weeds. When I started my college journey at Michigan State University, I knew that weed science was a subject that I needed to pay attention to closely. Through my coursework and some influential professors, I discovered that I had a passion to learn about weeds and how to effectively and sustainably control them. I particularly took interest in learning about chemical control methods, including how various types of application equipment and herbicide modes of action can affect weeds. Additionally, I found it extremely interesting to study how weeds have spread to different geographical regions, and how various government policies and regulations have affected that spread, whether positively or negatively. My passion for weed science led me to a summer internship as a custom applicator. I obtained my Commercial Applicator License and spent a season operating a Hagie sprayer, working on anything from basic burndown to carefully applying atrazine and Zidua to halt a waterhemp problem. My experience as a custom applicator gave me some additional real-world perspective on how important weed science is to raising a healthy, productive crop. I was able to see examples of weed control successes and failures across a broad geography and take that knowledge, along with my classroom knowledge, to implement better weed control in my own crops. Today, I am continuing my path in weed science as an On-Farm Research Intern with Corteva Agriscience, where I help manage field trials focused on herbicide performance and crop response. I am involved in everything from plot layout to treatment application and data collection. Being part of the research process has shown me how powerful applied science can be when it is done with growers in mind. My experiences, ranging from classroom time and custom application to research, have influenced my long-term career goals. My goal for my future is to work in applied research. I look forward to helping develop and deliver integrated weed management solutions that are effective, economical, and sustainable. I am especially interested in methods that reduce herbicide reliance while maintaining productivity, such as cover crops, mechanical control, and precision technology. I want to help farmers protect their land and profitability while staying ahead of resistance and regulatory challenges. Receiving the Russell R. Hahn Scholarship would allow me to continue building the technical knowledge and research experience needed to follow in his footsteps. Dr. Hahn’s legacy as both a researcher and mentor is inspiring, and I hope to carry that forward by contributing to the next generation of solutions in weed science.

My love for STEM was inspired from an early age. Growing up, I eagerly listened to my family’s stories about the family farm. I enjoyed hearing about agricultural innovations and the difference they made for our family in their humble pursuits. I developed a particular affinity for the mechanization that transformed agriculture. Hearing firsthand experiences from my grandfather and other relatives about how these inventions revolutionized their livelihoods had a lasting impact on me. Another experience that solidified my love for STEM was growing up in the construction industry. My father owned a land development and excavating company. Some of my earliest memories involve climbing up in the cab of semi-trucks, bulldozers, and other heavy machinery. I was the quintessential wide-eyed kid who was fascinated by this equipment. When I grew old enough to reach the controls of the construction machinery, I was operating it. During high school I worked in the excavating business and decided to stick with it upon graduating from high school. In addition to honing my skills as an operator, I interacted with many structural, civil, and environmental engineers. With these interactions I developed an appreciation for design that incorporated parts of our natural world. My interests grew in soils, climatology, and working with the natural environment to create the infrastructure we depend on as a society. Eventually, my father went in a different direction with his business and in the meantime, I started hobby farming. On the farm, I found that my true passion was agriculture. It honored my family’s heritage and allowed me to work with the elements of STEM that were intriguing to me: machinery, soil, crops, and weather. I ultimately decided to attend Michigan State University to pursue a degree in agriculture. Currently, I am studying Agribusiness Management and Agronomy. I have been blown away by the learning and networking opportunities in college. My real-world experience gained prior to college has allowed me to absorb and apply class content more intentionally. I have completed a couple of internships in crop scouting and agronomy operations. These experiences have helped to shape and inform my educational and career goals. I have found particular interest in agricultural research. It combines the engineering mindset that I developed in the construction industry with the natural environment while inviting innovation that is crucial to STEM. However, my career aspirations are two-fold. What I envision my ultimate long-term career resembling is a niche where I can have a career in research and synergize that career with my own farming operation. I seek to utilize the products and services that I help to develop on my own farm and to advise fellow industry professionals and farmers from a credible hands-on perspective that is derived from working knowledge, experience, and education. Through my educational and work-related experiences, I have learned about the importance of giving back and community service. I look back at the people who have mentored me and given me the tools to succeed in my academic and career pursuits. I strive to mentor and teach people in the same way. In addition to one-on-one mentorship, I envision organizing field days and teaching at seminars that are open to anybody who wants to learn about agricultural technology. I also plan to establish a scholarship as a means of paying it forward. I have experienced first-hand the positive impacts of a scholarship and how it makes educational and career goals possible. Through these actions, I hope to have a lasting positive impact on the STEM community.

Receiving this scholarship would be life-changing for me. After my mother passed away, my world was turned upside down. Not only was I dealing with the emotional pain of losing her, but I was also facing serious financial struggles. She was a big part of my support system, and without her, I had to take on more responsibilities to stay afloat. It has been incredibly difficult to keep up with school while also worrying about how to afford tuition and living expenses. On top of that, I have been dealing with an ongoing legal battle with my former employer, who owes me a large amount of past wages. I worked hard and earned that money, but I have not been paid what I am owed. The situation has put me under even more financial strain, making it harder to stay focused on my education. I have tried to keep pushing forward, but the stress of financial uncertainty has made moving forward with my education more difficult. This scholarship would take off a huge amount of pressure and allow me to focus on what truly matters: my education and future. Instead of constantly worrying about money, I would be able to put my energy into learning and growing. I want to continue my studies in agriculture and supply chain logistics because I believe in the importance of improving food production and distribution. The agricultural industry is facing big challenges, and I want to be part of the solution by finding better ways to make farming and food supply chains more efficient and sustainable. Without financial support, it is hard to take advantage of the opportunities that will help me build my career. Internships, research projects, and networking events are all important, but they can be difficult to access when financial struggles are constantly holding me back. This scholarship would allow me to take part in these opportunities and gain the experience I need to succeed in the industry. Beyond just financial relief, this scholarship would give me a sense of security and motivation to keep moving forward. Losing my mother and dealing with legal battles have been incredibly tough, but I refuse to let these challenges define my future. I want to turn my struggles into something positive and build a future that would make my mother proud. With this scholarship, I would have the support I need to continue my education, work toward my goals, and eventually give back to the agricultural industry and my community. I am determined to succeed despite the hardships I have faced. This scholarship would not only help me financially, but it would also give me the chance to focus on my education and future career without constantly feeling weighed down by financial stress. It would be a step toward building a better future for myself and making a meaningful impact in the industry I am passionate about.

My passion for working with the land has guided my life and career, and I see the landscape industry as the perfect way to combine my skills, creativity, and entrepreneurial vision. My journey began in the excavation industry, where I worked in my family’s business during high school and eventually became a foreman. There, I gained valuable experience in machinery operation, grading, drainage, and hardscaping projects. From building retaining walls to preparing sites for landscaping, I developed a deep appreciation for transforming raw spaces into functional and beautiful environments. While excavation gave me the technical foundation to work with the land, my agricultural experience broadened my understanding of nurturing it. Managing my own row crop operation taught me problem-solving, resource management, and sustainability practices, while my work at a co-op introduced me to tree fruit scouting. This exposure to fruit crops like cherries and apples sparked an interest in tree cultivation and inspired my goal to grow nursery trees as part of my future career. Combining these experiences, I envision creating landscapes that blend well-designed hardscapes with vibrant, sustainable plantings. My education in Agribusiness Management at Michigan State University has reinforced this vision and prepared me to pursue it. I’ve gained valuable insights into project management, customer service, and the business operations necessary to succeed in the landscape industry. My hands-on work, both in excavation and at the co-op, has helped me connect the dots between technical skills, plant care, and the artistry of landscape design. I am particularly passionate about incorporating sustainable practices, such as selecting the right trees and plants for the environment, using efficient irrigation systems, and designing landscapes that balance functionality and beauty. What excites me most about the landscape industry is the opportunity to combine my technical expertise with my creative vision. I’ve seen firsthand how proper grading, hardscaping, and plant selection can transform a space into something truly remarkable. Growing nursery trees is a natural extension of this passion, allowing me to not only provide high-quality plants for my designs but also contribute to the industry by supplying others with the resources they need to create exceptional landscapes. My long-term goal is to establish a landscaping and hardscaping business that integrates my experience in excavation, agriculture, and plant cultivation. I want to offer comprehensive services that include everything from designing outdoor living spaces to supplying sustainably grown nursery trees. By combining these elements, I can help create landscapes that are not only visually stunning but also environmentally responsible and built to last. The landscape industry represents a unique opportunity to blend my skills, experiences, and passions into a career that makes a lasting impact. I am excited to bring my background in excavation, tree fruit scouting, and agricultural management into this field, creating spaces that enhance communities and connect people to the beauty of nature.

My passion for agriculture began in childhood, despite not growing up on a farm. Stories from relatives about our family farm, which ceased operations 15 years before I was born, left a lasting impression on me. Throughout my school years, most of my dreams and aspirations centered on agriculture, and that passion has only grown. Now, as an Agribusiness Management Junior at Michigan State University, I have been exposed to diverse learning opportunities and career paths in the agricultural industry. My desire to deepen my knowledge and advance my career fuels my drive. Although I did not grow up farming, I worked in a related field, excavation. During high school, I joined my family’s excavating business and worked my way into a foreman role. There, I gained valuable experience with machinery, soil management, work ethic, personnel management, and accountability. Unfortunately, the business’s financial mismanagement led to its collapse, leaving me with unpaid wages and strained family relationships. While the experience was challenging, it shaped my resilience and reinforced my determination to pursue a career in agriculture. While working in excavation, I started a small row crop operation on 20 rented acres using older equipment. Six seasons later, I have enjoyed steady improvements in yields and production practices. What this experience ultimately has done for me is confirm my passion for agriculture. I enjoy working with the land, nurturing crops, and solving problems. When my excavation career ended, I decided it was time to pursue higher education. I began with a two-year Agricultural Industries Certificate Program, where I gained practical experience working at a local co-op as a crop scouting intern and custom applicator. At the co-op, I worked extensively with row crops and fruit crops like cherries and blueberries. I also conducted variety trials, including soybean research during my internship and an independent corn study during college. These experiences sparked my interest in agricultural research and implementing small tweaks that lead to significant results. After completing the certificate program, I decided to pursue an undergraduate degree in Agribusiness Management. This past season, I collaborated with a chemical manufacturer to conduct a fungicide trial on corn, further solidifying my passion for research. What I have found that I enjoy most is being involved in every step of crop production through every stage of growth, from planting to harvest. This has shaped my career goals to combine research and farming. I aspire to conduct trials on my own crops, using firsthand experience to evaluate the effectiveness of products and practices. Ultimately, I want to help farmers increase their yields, profitability, and sustainability. Currently, I am working for a large row crop farm as a truck driver, applicator, and general equipment operator, which has given me valuable insights into crop production practices. I look forward to an internship with Corteva conducting on-farm research next summer to further hone my agronomy skills and confirm which area of research I want to work in. Farming has been transformative for me, particularly during difficult times. When my excavation career ended, it negatively affected my mental health, and farming gave me purpose and hope. The process of growing crops lifted me out of a dark place and gave me a sense of fulfillment. As I move forward, I am grateful for the mentors and experiences that have shaped my journey. I aim to give back by mentoring future agricultural professionals and contributing to advancements in the industry. Agriculture not only restored my sense of purpose but also solidified my commitment to making a meaningful impact.