December PSM Graduates

When I began my graduate program at Michigan State University, I approached it with a purely practical mindset. My focus was straightforward: complete the degree, conduct the research, and move on. I did not anticipate becoming deeply involved in campus life or forming lasting connections. At the time, graduate school felt like work to be accomplished rather than an experience to be enjoyed.

Over time, that perspective shifted in ways I never expected. Beyond the classroom and lab, I found a community of colleagues who became both friends and mentors. My time at MSU opened doors to experiences well outside my original vision of graduate school, including travel across the country for research and professional opportunities. These experiences ranged from sampling pierogies in Pittsburgh and spotting dolphins in Savannah to dancing down Beale Street in Memphis and standing on the shores of the Pacific Ocean in Long Beach.

Both the anticipated academic challenges and the unexpected personal experiences played a role in shaping my graduate journey. What began as a strictly academic pursuit evolved into a period of growth marked by connection, exploration, and discovery—elements that will continue to influence my career long after graduation.

Immediate Plans: Postdoctoral Research in Sustainable Systems

Following graduation, I will begin a postdoctoral position with Dr. Kim Cassida on the NIFA-funded project Fostering Resilience and Ecosystem Services in Landscapes by Integrating Diverse Perennial Circular Systems. This role will allow me to expand my expertise in forage agronomy and agricultural sustainability while strengthening both my scientific and applied skill sets.

I am particularly excited about the extension and outreach components of this project. Engaging directly with growers and producers and translating research into practical applications has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my work, and this position provides an ideal opportunity to continue that impact-driven research.

Long-Term Goals: Teaching and Mentorship

Looking further ahead, my experiences at MSU have helped clarify my long-term career goals. Teaching five semesters during my graduate program became an unexpected highlight of my time here. I am currently completing the Certificate in College Teaching, and through this process I discovered how much I value the role of educator.

Helping students grasp new concepts, watching their confidence develop, and fostering a supportive learning environment showed me that teaching is not simply a skill I possess—it is a calling I genuinely enjoy. My goal is to pursue a career as teaching faculty, ideally at MSU, where I can continue to educate, mentor students, and contribute meaningfully to the academic community that has shaped my own journey.