- Degree: Bachelor (Spring 2022)
- Advisor: Dr. Helen Kraus
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebjhortncsu/
What was your degree(s) or focus?
Horticultural Science with a concentration in Production Systems and Entrepreneurship and a Minor in Biological Sciences
How are you planning to use your degree?
I have plans to work in the horticulture industry for several years before eventually returning to my hometown to open a nursery business. I hope to be able to serve my community by allowing local school agriculture programs to visit my facilities as an educational experience, and by providing quality plants to consumers that will change their perspective on plants and enrich their lives.
Whom do you want to thank?
I’d like to start off by thanking God for the path that He has allowed my life to take up to this point. Were it not for His guidance, I would not have the opportunities and experiences that I have been given, and I would be amiss to take any credit for my accomplishments as my own.
Secondly, I’d like to thank my family for being a constant source of support and encouragement throughout my entire life all the way through college. It is because of them that I am the person I am today, and that I have been able to wholeheartedly pursue the opportunities set before me. I’d also like to especially thank my dad for being one of my biggest motivators in my career pursuits, even though he is no longer with us, and for instilling an appreciation for agriculture within me at a very young age.
Next, I want to thank my friends, both back home in Cerro Gordo and the ones I have made in Raleigh, for being there to help me whenever I need them, for supporting me, and for making college a much richer experience than simply receiving an education.
I want to also thank the Horticulture faculty and staff for making my educational experiences far more meaningful and enjoyable than I could have possibly imagined. The hands-on experiences I’ve received along with the community and friendships I have made within the Horticulture department have not only provided me with a high-quality education, but also with connections that will last a lifetime.
Lastly, I would like to thank the Goodnight Scholars Program for the impact they have made in my life. Were it not for the financial support of this program, I would have likely never been able to pursue my dream of attending NC State University and would have missed out on countless opportunities and memories. Being a part of this community of scholars will always be something that I treasure and has been nothing short of life-changing.
What is the best thing about studying horticulture at NC State?
Students are truly the top priority for the faculty and staff in the horticulture department at NC State. The familial bond within this department not only provides a sense of camaraderie and comfort inside and outside the classroom, but helps the faculty to better serve students’ needs by knowing their goals and pursuits. They truly take every avenue necessary to ensure students have every opportunity for success and that they receive the highest quality of education to be prepared for their future careers.
Clubs and Activities
Goodnight Scholars Program
Horticulture Club Vice President
HortPack Competition Leadership Team
Pi Alpha Xi Honor Fraternity
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Do you have plans for after graduation? Are you currently working?
I will be working an internship at Pairwise in Durham during the summer of 2022 before returning to NC State in the fall of 2022 to begin my Master’s in Horticultural Science.
Advisor Comments (Dr. Helen Kraus)
Ethan is one of our student leaders in the department and a go to person if you want something to get done well! His pleasant demeanor and caring heart make him loved by both his faculty and peers. He is passionate about growing beautiful plants and loves all management aspects of plant nurture and care. He has diligently served as the NC State Horticulture Club vice-president for the last year. He will be continuing his education pursuing a Master of Science in Horticultural Science working with Dr. Melinda Knuth.