Kristin Oomen (Michigan State University)
Kristin is working on a Bachelor’s Degree in Crop and Soil Science. She grew up on a family vegetable crop farm in Hart, Michigan. In addition to experience on the farm, she has finished an internship this past summer with Seminis Vegetable Seeds in DeForest, Wisconsin. She plans on working as an agronomist working with specialty crops and eventually return to the family farm.
Zachary Hayden (Michigan State University)
Zach is working on his PhD in the Department of Horticulture. His doctoral thesis is “Optimizing the Benefits of Cereal-Legume Cover Crop Mixtures in Vegetable Cropping Systems.” His career aspirations are to conduct meaningful applied research, educate the next generation and collaborate internationally. He plans on graduating spring of 2013.
Taylor Smith (Michigan State University)
Taylor is an undergraduate student in the Department of Crop and Soil Science.
She has been involved in 4 different summer internships with different agricultural
companies, heavily focused on the specialty crop industry in Michigan. After graduation
Taylor would like to become a crop consultant to fruit and vegetable growers.
Ajay Nair (Michigan State University)
Ajay is working on his PhD in the department of Horticulture at MSU. His research
focuses on strategies to develop and improve sustainable farming practices in cucumber
and tomato production systems in the great lakes area. He plans on graduating in 2010
and continue in a university or a research institution working in specialty crops.
Juliette King (Michigan State University)
Juliette is an undergraduate student in the Department of Horticulture and Agriculture Economics.
She was raised on the family farm in northern Michigan, where they grow many different fruits &
vegetables on 350 acres and have two retail stores, and an online business. After graduating
she’d like to work for a company in the produce business involved in international exports.
Kaori Ando (Michigan State University)
Kaori is working on her PhD on plant pathology, molecular biology and plant breeding.
She’s had experience at the Kyoto University Graduate School of Agriculture Experimental Farm,
Kyoto, Japan. After graduation Kaori would like to become a plant breeder specializing in
vegetable and disease resistance.
Rebecca Titus (Michigan State University)
Rebecca is an undergraduate student majoring in Horticulture with a focus on vegetable production.
She grew up on a vegetable farm in Leslie, Michigan. Her plans are to pursue graduate degrees in
horticulture and someday teach at a university and do research.
Alejandra Ferenczi (Michigan State University)
A native of Uruguay, Alejandra came to the U.S. with an interest in plant biology.
She did her undergraduate studies at the School of Agronomy at the University of the
Republic to obtain her degree in Horticulture. She received a Fullbright Scholarship,
which allowed her to come to the U.S. and is currently working on her Ph.D. in Plant
Breeding and Genetics.
Laura Havenga (Michigan State University)
Laura is working on her Bachelor’s Degree in Horticulture, specifically in
biotechnology specialization. Currently she is working on research with
ethylene in cucumber flowers and how the lack of apical hooks is effecting the germination
of compact cucumbers. Future plans include helping raise the fruit and
vegetable industry awareness to the consumer. She would like to increase the
public’s awareness of the farmer’s dedication to growing quality produce
locally.
Stephen Tennes (Michigan State University)
Stephen has learned much valuable information from his father, Dr. Bernie Tennes,
on their family farm and in his studies at MSU. It is his intention to continue
to run and expand the family farm and become more involved in Michigan’s
fruit and vegetable industry. Stephen’s particular focus will be in direct
marketing the farm experience agritourism to the consumer. He is also in the
process of establishing an organic apple orchard. Stephen wants to share his
gained knowledge to improve and promote Michigan’s agricultural community.
Mark Vander Werp (Michigan State University)
Mark is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in entomology. He also works for Dr. Rufus
Isaacs in the small fruit entomology lab, which has included assisting in
research on the grape berry moth. Upon completing his studies, he plans to work
in some aspect of agricultural entomology.