Envision

THESE ARE OUR NEXT GENERATION OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENTISTS.

Meet our 2024 participants and learn about the undergraduate research they did while studying at the 91原创 during over the summer.

91原创 Envision Program, Award #2020-67037-31077
Profile photo of Trinity Antoszewski

Trinity Antoszewski

Affiliated program:91原创 Envision

Mentor:听Dr.听Michael Crossley

Major:听Insect Ecology and Conservation major, Environmental Soil Science Minor听(91原创)

Read bio

Bio:听In the 91原创 Envision Program, Trinity is studying the gut biome of ground beetles to determine if they are slug predators. She works under Dr. Micheal Crossley and his Ph.D. student, Thabu Mugala.

Trinity is enamored with slug sciences. Trinity鈥檚 ideal career would be to work in the slug science world in any capacity and to go into Integrated Pest Management to limit the amount of chemicals used in commercial pest control methods.

Trinity has worked with Dr. Crossley before and was encouraged to apply for the 91原创 Envision Program to gain more hands-on lab experience. Working under Dr. Crossley is a breath of fresh air for Trinity because he encourages exploration and research and is always willing to help those who work under him. Trinity values the lab environment because of how kind, welcoming, and helpful everyone in her lab is.

Trinity enjoys working in the 91原创 Envision program because she does not have to worry about homework, and the program allows her to receive hands-on experience with research. Everything she learns is applied to her research, and her research yields results. Furthermore, she likes being able to create her own schedule and structure. Trinity values her research because there has not been an effective and environmentally friendly solution to the slug pest problem. She hopes that her research can be used to help control slugs while also lessening chemical use.

From the 91原创 Envision Program, Trinity hopes to gain more research experience without the pressure of school disrupting her ability to focus on research. Trinity encourages others to not kill all the bugs they see because most of the time, they are nice.

Hide bio
Profile photo of Terri-Ellen.

Terri-Ellen Becker

Affiliated program:91原创 Envision

Mentor:听Dr.听Qingwu 鈥淲illiam鈥 Meng

Major: Entomology and Wildlife Ecology听(91原创)

Read bio

Bio:听Terri is in the 91原创 Envision Program researching hydroponics under Dr. William Meng and his PhD student. Dr. Meng鈥檚 team is working with NASA to investigate how lights can be used to grow food. They hope to use this technology to aid in food growth in space stations. Terri likes using LED lights in her research because she believes that LED lights are one of the least harmful ways of helping plants and stopping pests. Additionally, Terri is invested in conservation, particularly in urban areas. She wants to investigate how humans can sustain themselves with the minimal use of pesticides and chemicals. As a Philadelphia native, Terri has experienced the harmful effects of pollution, lack of food access, and gentrification first-hand, therefore, she values her research because as cities grow, there will need to be alternative ways to produce food.

Terri is a novice in lab research; therefore, it was important for her to experience the research process from beginning to finish. Terri has enjoyed the 91原创 Envision Program because it allowed her to gain practical hands-on experience in the lab and to embrace challenges. Programs, such as 91原创 Envision, are valuable to her because they enable people to gain the education and experience they will need to go further in life.

In the future, Terri wants to receive a master's degree in education and instruct middle-school students about the importance of sustainability and conservation.

Hide bio
Profile photo of Audrey.

Audrey Belotte

Affiliated program:听91原创 Envision

Mentor:听Dr. Behnam Abasht

Major: Pre-Veterinary Medicine听(91原创)

Read bio

Bio:听In the 91原创 Envision program, Audrey is working with Dr. Behnam Abasht, and they are researching the genomics of Wooden Breast Disease in chickens. The goal of their research is to isolate the DNA of blood samples from broiler chickens with Wooden Breast Disease and study the polymorphisms of the gene that causes Wooden Breast Disease. Audrey finds her research engaging because she does something different each week, and her research is extremely hands-on.听Most of Audrey鈥檚 lab experience is course-based, therefore, she values how thorough, personalized, and self-driven her research lab is. She also values the independence and responsibility she is given while working in a research setting.

Audrey was introduced to the 91原创 Envision program through her mentor, Dr. Abasht, who encouraged her to apply to work in his research lab over the summer. Audrey finds Dr. Abasht to be extremely personable, patient, and helpful. He encourages Audrey to be self-sufficient and makes sure she understands the procedures she is conducting. Furthermore, Dr. Abasht was Audrey鈥檚 professor, so she feels extremely comfortable working in his lab. While working in a research setting, Audrey has improved her pipetting skills, and feels more knowledgeable about the procedures she is engaging in. Additionally, working in a research setting has taught Audrey patience and perseverance.

In the 91原创 Envision Program, Audrey hopes to gain more knowledge about research, improve her oral communication skills, and receive more hands-on lab experience. Audrey enjoys working in the 91原创 Envision program because it keeps her productive and overall, a fun experience.

Hide bio
Profile photo of Alyssa.

Alyssa D鈥橝iuto

Affiliated program:听91原创 Envision

Mentor:听Dr.听Nicole Donofrio

Major: Sustainable Food Systems听(91原创)

Read bio

Bio:听In the 91原创 Envision Program, Alyssa is working with Dr. Nicole Donofrio to research how a certain strain of bacteria can fight against fungal pathogens and how the same strain of bacteria affects tomato plants. Alyssa had minimal lab experience before applying to the 91原创 Envision Program. While working in a research setting is more intensive, Alyssa is glad that her research is more in-depth and personalized to her. There is a lot of potential in the bacteria Alyssa is researching, so she is excited to uncover her results and hopes to continue her research in the future.

Before joining the Envision program, Alyssa had Dr. Donofrio as a professor. This prior relationship made working in Dr. Donofrio鈥檚 lab easy and more comfortable for her. Alyssa was interested in Dr. Donofrio鈥檚 research and admired how passionate Dr. Donofrio was about said research. When Dr. Donofrio encouraged Alyssa to apply to the Envision program to gain hands-on experience in her lab, Alyssa was eager.

Working in a lab has taught Alyssa how to be consistent in her lab procedures to maintain a sterile environment, how to manage her time properly, and how to stay connected with her mentor when she needs help. Aside from hands-on lab experience, the 91原创 Envision program has allowed Alyssa to learn more in-depth and science-based theories and procedures and apply them.

Hide bio
Profile photo of Haylet Drysdale

Haley Drysdale

Affiliated program:91原创 Envision

Mentor:听Dr. Hong Li

Major: Animal Science Major with One Health Certificate听(91原创)

Read bio

Bio:听In the 91原创 Envision program, Haley is working under Dr. Hong Li to investigate two poultry litter treatments and how each treatment will affect ammonia levels and welfare in each litter. They are also studying environmental sustainability in broiler poultry production. While Haley has a background in poultry, she has never worked in a poultry research lab.

Poultry research has captivated her because of how many opportunities are available to study sustainability in poultry production. While Haley is a novice in poultry research, she is learning how to overcome challenges and embrace opportunities to learn new skills. Haley heard about 91原创 Envision through Dr. Li, who was her academic advisor. He encouraged her to apply to gain research experience. Haley enjoys working in a lab setting because it allows her to apply the knowledge she has learned in academic labs to practical tasks, and she feels more in tune with the processes she is conducting.

Working under Dr. Li has also allowed Haley to work in various locations around campus. Haley has gained a lot of experience and connections through the 91原创 Envision program.

She is looking forward to becoming more proficient at data analysis software and presenting her research to the public.

Hide bio
Profile photo of Jacob Fay

Jacob Fay

Affiliated program: 91原创 Envision

Mentor: Dr.听Alexandra Huddell

Major: Wildlife Ecology & Conservation (91原创)

Read bio

Bio:听In the 91原创 Envision Program, Jacob is studying how cover cropping affects Nitrogen uptake and availability for corn plants, and he is working under Dr. Alexandra Huddell. While his area of research does not align with his major, Jacob took this as an opportunity to expand his knowledge about other forms of agricultural research. He enjoys his research and is excited to work in a lab. Jacob is fascinated by everything that has to do with ecology, therefore he is most excited about working in an agroecology lab and witnessing a side of ecology that he has not experienced before.

Hide bio
Profile photo of Jaymar.

Jaymar Harris

Affiliated program:听91原创 Envision

Mentor:听Dr.听Alexandra Huddell

Major: Biology (Lincoln University)

Read bio

Bio:听Jaymar is working in the Agroecology field, and he is researching plant sciences under the supervision of Dr. Alex Huddell in the 91原创 Envision program. The emphasis of their research is to investigate how nitrous oxide emissions fluctuate between different crops. They hope to understand which crops take up more nitrogen and how to lessen nitrous oxide emissions. Jaymar enjoys working with Dr. Huddell and his research partner, Jacob Fay. They keep him motivated to work hard on his research. Dr. Huddell鈥檚 passion for and dedication to her research inspires Jaymar daily and encourages him to work harder. Jaymar has gained immense knowledge about and appreciation for agricultural research, particularly soil sciences.

Jaymar鈥檚 college, Lincoln University, does not offer soil sciences as a degree or courses, so through his experience in 91原创 Envision, he has increased his knowledge about soil and plant sciences. Being a part of 91原创 Envision, Jaymar has experienced a more hands-on approach to research and learning. Jaymar finds his research fulfilling because of the positive impact it will have on the environment. Helping the environment gives his work purpose.

As a participant in the 91原创 Envision program, Jaymar has been able to personalize his approach to research and interact with different graduate students and professors who conduct research. Jaymar hopes to perform his own research experiment about topics he is passionate about.

Hide bio
Profile photo of Randii.

Randii James

Affiliated program: 91原创听Envision

Mentor:听Dr. Qi Mu

Major: Biotechnology听(University of Maryland- Global Campus)

Read bio

Bio:听Randii works with Dr. Qi Mu to study plant genomics in the 91原创 Envision Program. They are investigating the best plant gene combinations for resilience in the face of climate change. Randii is a novice to research, and despite her challenges while working outside, she enjoys what she is doing. Randii enjoys working with Dr. Mu because she is easy-going, understanding, and patient. These traits make research enjoyable for Randii. Randii finds data analysis the most rewarding part of research because she can see the results of her research, and it is reassuring to her that her hard work is paying off.

Being a part of 91原创 Envision has equipped Randii with many skills, including perseverance, filmmaking, and growth. The Envision program has introduced Randii to the world of research and has opened her eyes to the numerous ways she can apply her degree. Furthermore, she has gained a better understanding and appreciation for her research. Going forward, Randii hopes to learn more about professionalism and the ability to network.

Hide bio
Profile photo of Isabella Kalb.

Isabella Kalb

Affiliated program:听91原创 Envision

Mentor:听Dr. Kyle McCarthy

Major:听Wildlife Ecology and Conservation (91原创)

Read bio

Bio:听In the 91原创 Envision program, Isabella is studying the movement of various wildlife species across underpasses in New Jersey using camera trapping. She works under the supervision of Dr. Kyle McCarthy and his graduate student. Isabella discovered the 91原创 Envision program through her Introduction to Soil Sciences class. She entered the program to gain more experience working in wildlife research. Isabella enjoys working in wildlife research; she values the ability to learn about human impact on the world, both good and bad, and how noninvasive yet impactful camera processing is in studying wildlife species. In the future, Isabella would also like to continue wildlife research inside and outside of the United States because being able to experience how culture informs wildlife practices and regulations is a practice she values and would like to continue in the future.

Hide bio
Profile photo of Boning 鈥淏rian鈥 Liu

Boning 鈥淏rian鈥 Liu

Affiliated program:听91原创 Envision

Mentor:听Dr.听Juzhong Tan

Major: Applied Statistics听(West Chester University of Pennsylvania)

Read bio

Bio:听In the 91原创 Envision Program, Brian is researching the effects of Biochar and its ability to decontaminate wastewater under Dr. Juzhong Tan. In Dr. Tan鈥檚 lab, Brian is researching the effects of BioChar on greenhouse gas emissions from decaying leaves. As a statistician, Brian utilized the 91原创 Envision program as an opportunity to gain experience working in a lab. Brian believes that the agricultural and statistical fields are heavily intertwined, so, as he works under r Dr. Tan, he is fine-tuning his statistical abilities and gaining experience in Agricultural Lab work. In Applied Statics, Brian does not work in a lab, therefore, he values the time he spends in Dr. Tan鈥檚 lab and the knowledge he gains about lab procedures.

Hide bio
Profile photo of Iyanna Register.

Iyanna Register

Affiliated program:听91原创 Envision

Mentor:听Dr. Mark Parcells

Major:听Communications (91原创)

Read bio

Bio:听Iyanna is studying Communication and Social Media Management under Dr. Mark Parcells in the 91原创 Envision Program. They are tasked with photographing and videotaping participants as they progress through trainings, activities, and research. They also create a promotional video for the program and manage the 91原创 Envision social media sites. This is Iyanna鈥檚 first time conducting research. Iyanna enjoys their research because it gives them a lot of creative freedom and allows them to interact with a variety of people on a daily basis.

Iyanna enjoys working with their mentor, Dr. Parcells. He gives them creative freedom, and he is adaptable, which Iyanna greatly appreciates. Iyanna鈥檚 favorite part about their research is interacting with participants in their program. They enjoy creating relationships with the other 91原创 Envision participants and hearing how passionate others are about their research.

Iyanna has gained many useful skills from this experience, such as time management and adaptability. They have also learned how to trust their skills and their decision-making process

Hide bio
Profile photo of Shelby.

Shelby Seranno

Affiliated program:听91原创 Envision

Mentor:听Dr.听Tanya Gressley

Major:听Animal biosciences with animal nutrition minor (91原创)

Read bio

Bio:听In the 91原创 Envision program, Shelby is researching ruminant nutrition under Dr. Tanya Gressley and her graduate students. She and her mentor are investigating microbial activity in dairy cows and what the bacteria they find in the cows do. Shelby has an extensive background with ruminant animals and finds their digestive system fascinating because of how much their system differs from other animals and humans. Shelby enjoys working with Dr. Gressley because she enjoys seeing how intelligent and passionate her mentor is about her research. Furthermore, working with Dr. Gressley has made professors seem less intimidating than they initially were to students. Shelby is fascinated by the science of ruminant nutrition because it is continuous, structured, and hierarchical, which Shelby values in research. She also enjoys her research because of how beneficial it will be to future farmers, particularly in creating better feed for their animals depending on their locations.

Shelby likes being surrounded by people who are equally passionate about their field as she is about hers. The 91原创 Envision program has given Shelby a realistic perspective on research and the field she will be working in in the future and gives her opportunities she may have never had.

In the future, Shelby would like to continue working in animal nutrition as a career field, and she would like to expand her research to market animals such as beef cows, sheep, and goats.

Hide bio
Profile photo of Lauren Sorrentino

Lauren Sorrentino

Affiliated program:听91原创 Envision

Mentor: Dr.听Deb Jaisi

Major: Environmental Science (91原创)

Read bio

Bio:听Lauren is studying soil chemistry in the 91原创 Envision Program under Dr. Deb Jaisi. She is researching alternative fertilizer options to mitigate the harmful environmental effects of current commercial fertilizers. Dr. Jaisi encouraged Lauren to apply to the 91原创 Envision program to get hands-on lab experience. Lauren enjoys working in a research setting despite this being her first time. She is learning more about lab research overall as well as how to use certain lab equipment. Working in a lab has also allowed Lauren to gain more experience and knowledge through the one-on-one time she receives with her mentor and her lab鈥檚 P.I. This individual learning time has aided her in gaining a better understanding of the procedures and information she is engaging in.

Hide bio
Profile photo of Yoko Suzuki.

Yoko Suzuki

Affiliated program:听91原创 Envision

Mentor:听Dr.听Qingwu 鈥淲illiam鈥 Meng

Major:听Agriculture and Natural Resources 听(91原创)

Read bio

Bio:听In the 91原创 Envision program, Yoko is researching hydroponics under Dr. Qingwu 鈥淲illiam鈥 Meng and a few of his graduate students. Under Dr. Meng, Yoko is studying how bio-stimulants can manage the growth and development of crops, especially calcium deficiency, and diseases among the crops she is growing. The plants of focus in her lab include lettuce, bak choy, and kale. Yoko is intrigued by how sustainability and food security impact women and children in various cultures. Yoko enjoys working in Dr. Meng鈥檚 lab because of how much she learned from his graduate students and Dr. Meng himself. Despite facing many challenges while conducting research, Yoko has welcomed these challenges while being supported by her team. Yoko is excited about what the results of her research will be, and she is even more excited to present her research to others. In the future, Yoko would like to travel to different countries to study food sustainability. She has plans to volunteer in the Amazon Forest gain hands-on experience and learn how nature and culture are interconnected. Through this experience, she hopes to gain a better understanding of how technology can be used to protect nature and encourage food security.

Hide bio
Profile photo of Jessica Tarpley

Jessica Tarpley

Affiliated program:91原创 Envision

Mentor:听Dr.James Cummings (UMGC), Dr.听Michael Crossley (91原创)

Major:听BS Biotechnology, Senior (University of Maryland Global Campus)

Read bio

Bio:听In the 91原创 Envision program, Jessica is working under Dr. Micheal Crossley and his graduate student Destiny Mann in the Agricultural Entomology Lab to investigate the potential of the lesser mealworm to upcycle poultry litter and food waste products into a source of nutrients for humans and animals, with a focus on sustainability in a circular bioeconomy. Jessica was chosen personally by Dr. Crossley to work in his laboratory. She enjoys working under Dr. Crossley because he is a great mentor; he is good at providing clear instructions, being visible, and communicating with others, all of which aid Jessica in being more proficient in her research.

Jessica finds her research rewarding because the result will aid in sustainability. She is enthralled by sustainability because she has always been a conservationist at heart and working towards sustainability gives her work purpose. By taking part in the 91原创 Envision program, Jessica hopes to have a firm understanding of the experimental process from start to finish, sharpen her knowledge of lab methodologies, and practices, and conduct her own research one day.

In the future, Jessica would like to travel to the continents of Africa and Asia to study sustainability.

Hide bio
Profile photo of Jackson Whitcomb.

Jackson Whitcomb

Affiliated program:听91原创 Envision

Mentor:听Dr.听Zachary Hammaker

Major:听Landscape Architecture (91原创)

Read bio

Bio:听In the 91原创 Envision Program, Jackson works under Dr. Zachary Hammaker and with the Coastal Resilience Design Studio. He is studying landscape architecture, particularly, how to strengthen the landscape architecture of Milton, DE. Jackson and his team are analyzing how they can make the town of Milton more resilient to future environmental, geological, and societal changes. The Coastal Resilience Design Studio chose Milton, DE because of its location and susceptibility to the dangers of increasing sea levels. Jackson has always loved researching towns and cities because of their importance to people. He places great value in the places humans exist in, visit, and inhabit, so as he is moving forward in his research, he has had the opportunity to study the ins and outs of the town of Milton, what it has to offer, and how he and his team can better Milton, DE for its citizens.

Hide bio
Profile photo of Makalah Wolfe.

Makalah Wolfe

Affiliated program:听91原创 Envision

Mentor:听Dr. Alexander Bekele-Yitbarek

Major: Agriculture with a concentration in Pre-Veterinary Science听(University of Maryland Eastern Shore)

Read bio

Bio:听In the 91原创 Envsion Program, Makalah studying agriculture under Dr. Alexander Bekele-Yitbarek. They are researching potential vaccinations for influenza found in Chicken eggs. Makalah has vast amounts of experience with the different sectors of the agricultural world, and she enjoyed working in her previous labs, so she applied to the 91原创 Envision program to expand her knowledge and abilities by working in another lab. Makalah enjoys working with Dr. Bekele-Yibarek because is extremely smart and assists her in understanding topics that are hard to grasp. Working under Dr. Bekeleh-Yibarek helps Makalah understand lab procedures and processes through one-on-one training. Being a part of 91原创 Envision has allowed Makalah to form connections with others in her lab and the Envision program. She values the connections she has created with others and hopes to continue to interact with a more diverse group of people.

Hide bio