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Erica Thompson

1,580

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

1x

Winner

Bio

I am pursuing two associate degrees - one in the Environmental Engineering Technician program and another in Farm and Ranch Management. I live in a rural area where the growing season is brief, and the weather is unpredictable. However, I understand the need for alternative farming methods to meet the rising demand for local farm-to-table produce. This is also a more low-cost solution to the issue at hand. To address this, I am educating myself in bioinformatics to create a year-round growing environment. I plan to utilize hydroponics, aeroponics, and horticulture techniques within a closed system in a four-season geodesic dome, also known as a "bio-dome." My ultimate goal is to establish a sustainable alternative farming business that provides job opportunities, mainly for those residing in the South Dakota reservation. Alongside this, we will continue our online educational platform for nature and spiritual connection. With my knowledge and dedication, I am confident that we can positively impact our community while being prosperous. This is a new and exciting offering that I have yet to see replicated in any form or fashion locally to this degree.

Education

Western Dakota Technical Institute

Associate's degree program
2023 - 2025
  • Majors:
    • Agricultural Engineering

Penrose Academy

Trade School
2006 - 2007
  • Majors:
    • Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Trade School

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Farming

    • Dream career goals:

    • Licensed Cosmetologist

      2007 – Present17 years

    Sports

    Lacrosse

    Club
    2000 – 20044 years
    Tim Gjoraas Science and Education Scholarship
    Winner
    It all started when Covid shut down the world, and I needed a new source to provide for my family. Alternative agriculture has been very beneficial to us in supporting our family needs and the needs of local community members. We have been able to provide produce and meat for gatherings, workshops, and special occasions with anywhere from ten to seventy participants. This has led me to a current midlife career path change, as my original desired path was Cosmetology. I am pursuing two associate degrees - one in the Environmental Engineering Technician program and another in Farm and Ranch Management. I live in a rural area where the growing season is brief, and the weather is unpredictable. However, I understand the need for alternative farming methods to meet the rising demand for local farm-to-table produce. This is also a more low-cost solution to the issue at hand. To address this, I am educating myself in bioinformatics to create a year-round growing environment. I plan to utilize hydroponics, aeroponics, and horticulture techniques within a closed system in a four-season geodesic dome, also known as a "bio-dome." My ultimate goal is to establish a sustainable alternative farming business that provides job opportunities, mainly for those residing in the South Dakota reservation. Alongside this, we will continue our online educational platform for nature and spiritual connection. With my knowledge and dedication, I am confident that we can positively impact our community while being prosperous. This is a new and exciting offering that I have yet to see replicated in any form or fashion locally to this degree. My goal is to include holistic land management to tend the land through the buffalo, chicken, and bees currently residing on the property. There is a harmony between the three that supports bringing back native grasses and plants that have been dormant for so long. Up until now, this has been an expensive "hobby." I have utilized my time by doing market research and traveling around the area to acquaint myself with how the systems work and target the need. I am looking forward to continuing on this path and providing a future for my children and generations yet to come. This is very important to me as to where I see the impact this will have on the community we are in and how it will benefit us for years to come. Thank you for your time in reading my essay, I greatly appreciate this opportunity.