Nina Bellus

Environmental Resource Engineering Major, SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry

REEU Project Title: Effects of Large and Small Mammal Grazing and Ant Mounds on Arthropod Communities

REEU Mentor: Dr. John Moore, Dept. of Ecosystem Science & Sustainability

Ashley Carlisle

Fish, Wildlife, & Conservation Biology Major, Colorado State University

REEU Project Title: Honey Bee Tolerance and Mortality with Dietary Phytochemical Supplementation

REEU Mentors: Dr. Arathi Seshadri, Dept. of Soil & Crop Sciences; Dr. Elisa Bernklau, Dept. of Bioagricultural Sciences & Pest Management; and Dr. Louis Bjostad, Dept. of Bioagricultural Sciences & Pest Management

Ashley presented her REEU research poster at the 2017 Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) Conference.

Diandra Dillon

Environmental Science & Policy Major, Smith College

REEU Project Title: Soil Respiration in Irrigated and Dryland Crop Systems

REEU Mentors: Dr. Meagan Schipanski, Dept. of Soil & Crop Sciences, and Agustin Nunez, Dept. of Soil & Crop Sciences

“My experience at CSU gave me a better understanding of different approaches in research and management of agricultural systems. Working with faculty and students with different backgrounds provided me with diverse perspectives and practical experience in making food production more sustainable. The fellowship supported my professional development, and I gained skills in research as well as science-based resume development, interviewing, professional networking, ethics in research practice, and applying to graduate school. A bonus of the placement was its location in Colorado. In short, the many aspects of the fellowship helped me better prepare for my future career . . . and I had fun in the process!”

Natalie Hodgman

Animal Science and Ecosystem Science & Sustainability Double Major, Colorado State University

REEU Project Title: Effects of Zinc Dose on Rumen Dry Matter Digestibility

REEU Mentors: Dr. Terry Engle, Dept. of Animal Sciences, and Dr. Karen Sellins, Dept. of Animal Sciences

“The USDA NIFA REEU program helped me bridge the gap between my two passions: agriculture and environmental science. I gained valuable research experience in the field of animal science all the while including practices of sustainability in my work. I was also able to develop professional skills through interactive workshops and engage with professionals at work through field trips. Overall, the USDA NIFA REEU was an invigorating experience that helped me realize a future career in agriculture and sustainability.”

Lilia Johnson

Crop Science Major, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

REEU Project Title: Quantitative Trait Loci Mapping for Yield and Spike Characteristics in a Recombinant Inbred Line Population of Wheat

REEU Mentors: Dr. Patrick Byrne, Dept. of Soil & Crop Sciences; Dr. Stephen Pearce, Dept. of Soil & Crop Sciences; and Andrew Katz, Dept. of Soil & Crop Sciences

Leanne Makens

Ecosystem Science & Sustainability Major, Colorado State University

REEU Project Title: Crop Rotation Intensity Effects on Soil Biological Activity and Nutrient Cycling

REEU Mentors: Dr. Steven Fonte, Dept. of Soil & Crop Sciences, and Courtland Kelly, Dept. of Soil & Crop Sciences

“My favorite part of the USDA REEU Fellowship was experiencing hands-on research in the field and connecting with faculty around campus. I received the opportunity to travel to research sites in Kansas and participate in data collection in the field, which was a new experience for me that I thoroughly enjoyed. I also made close connections with professors and graduate students throughout my time as a fellow which has provided me with more resources to aid in pursuing my future career goals in agroecology”

Carley Meeks

Crop Science Major, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

REEU Project Title: Effect of Crop Rotations on Water Runoff Quality

REEU Mentors: Dr. Steven Fonte, Dept. of Soil & Crop Sciences, and Courtland Kelly, Dept. of Soil & Crop Sciences

Felix Yepa

Environmental & Natural Resource Economics Major, Colorado State University

REEU Project Title: Effect of Mammoth P on Arthropod Communities in an Agricultural System

REEU Mentors: Dr. John Moore, Dept. of Ecosystem Science & Sustainability

“I had a wonderful experience being exposed to a research environment and building relationships with my fellows and mentor, Dr. John Moore. The program provided me with lab experience, professional development, and connections to resources. Through the fellowship, I have a better understanding of how my career field in sustainable agriculture, too. Beyond this, the program was also  fun! I met new people and experienced new things. Plus, there was great career development support from Drs. Holman and Archibeque-Engle, who also made us feel welcome and like family.”