- Degree: Bachelor (Spring 2022)
- Advisor: Dr. Hudson Ashrafi
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianna-haynes-b00299196/
What was your degree(s) or focus?
Bachelor of Science in Horticultural Science: Plant Breeding & Biotechnology
Bachelor of Science in Crop & Soil Sciences: Crop Biotechnology
Regulatory Science in Agriculture Undergraduate Certificate
How are you planning to use your degree?
My ultimate goal to find a career that will merge my love of both fieldwork and laboratory work in the plant breeding and postharvest physiology realms. Keeping the integrity of traditional plant breeding while also working more with CRISPR/CAS technologies to create advanced genetic lines and extending postharvest shelf life are of interest. I would also love to be involved in academic or possibly extension to help build that bridge between scientists and the growers/technicians. For now, I will be continuing my education in graduate school and giving back to the Horticultural community as much as possible.
Whom do you want to thank?
I would first like to thank my family and friends for all the love and support they have given me over the last few years! I truly could not have done it without them. It is not just my graduation, but our graduation, as they were standing beside me along every step of the way. Being a first generation college student, I am proud to represent my family while celebrating my achievements and are incredibly grateful for the sacrifices they have made to help me get to where I am today!
Second, I would like to take a moment to thank the Horticulture department staff, professors, and my fellow classmates. From the very first day I stepped foot in Kilgore Hall, I was overwhelmed with welcoming and kindhearted spirits. Your passion for teaching, mentoring, and horticulture in general, is evident in everything you do. On behalf of my fellow classmates, thank you for your guidance, patience, and generosity that has made the last few years so enjoyable. You all have my most sincere thanks.
Lastly, I would like to acknowledge my bosses and mentors, Dr. Gina Fernandez and Dr. Penelope Perkins-Veazie. They were gracious enough to take me under their wing as a young high schooler and college student and have been there for me along the way. You both are so inspiring, so supportive, and push me to be the best I can be. For that, I am forever grateful. Hopefully you won’t get tired of me as we all dive into graduate school together!
What is the best thing about studying horticulture at NC State?
The Horticulture Department is very focused on hands-on learning and experiences and is all about taking the knowledge you learn in courses and applying them outside in the real world. There are numerous opportunities available such as internships, jobs, competition teams, research experiences, clubs, and facilities that allow students to gain a well-rounded education in addition to just academics. Additionally, the department excels at not only preparing students to be successful during college but preparing us for the future after graduation.
Clubs and Activities
Student Wolfpack Club, Executive Board Member
F1RST at NC State, Treasurer & Vice President
CALS Ambassador and Pack Chat Rep
Pi Alpha Xi, Member & soon to be VP of Specialty Plants
Horticulture Club, Member
Agronomy Club, Member
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Do you have plans for after graduation? Are you currently working?
Thankfully I am not going too far and are staying at NC State! I will begin my graduate studies this summer under both Dr. Gina Fernandez and Dr. Penelope Perkins-Veazie working with small fruit production (particularly strawberries and caneberries) in both the plant breeding and postharvest physiology fields!
Advisor Comments (Dr. Hudson Ashrafi)
Dear Brianna, Your accomplishments were not easy to earn. Think about the ups and downs that you had during past four year, but you did it. Your journey has not ended yet, it will go on until your next accomplishment which is going to be bigger. This is your moment today, May 7th 2022 that you and your family were waiting for it. Enjoy and celebrate it. Congratulations!