- Degree: Bachelor (Spring 2022)
- Advisor: Dr. Helen Kraus
What was your degree(s) or focus?
Horticultural Science in Production Systems and Entrepreneurship
Minors in Plant Biology and Sustainable Materials and Technology
How are you planning to use your degree?
I am interested in ethnobotany, nutrition and food as preventive medicine. In addition, I would love to be involved with sustainable smaller scale food production and farming at some point as well. I plan to explore my options and opportunities as they come and hopefully be able to gain experience in each of these areas at some point during my time.
Whom do you want to thank?
I want to thank my parents, my grandma, my boyfriend Adrian and all of my wonderful friends and family for supporting me in numerous ways. Life is warmer, brighter, exciting and filled with so much love, all of which has tremendously contributed to my wellbeing and success during my time at NC State.
What is the best thing about studying horticulture at NC State?
My professors have been exceptionally wonderful in this program. The passion many hold in the topics they teach is what has fueled my desire for learning and sparked my decision for choosing this area of study from the very beginning.
Clubs and Activities
Ski and Snowboarding Team
Do you have plans for after graduation? Are you currently working?
After graduation, I am planning to continue working at my current job and take some time off to travel, take a break, and figure out what my next steps are. I am considering graduate school eventually and am trying to decide what focus of program I would like to go into.
Advisor Comments (Dr. Helen Kraus)
Jessica is committed to a sustainable world and the role that plants and the use of our resources has in it. After graduation, she is going to travel and then may continue her education working with local food systems or plant breeding and genetics. Whatever Jessica chooses, it will be accomplished with joy and dedication. Good luck Jessica!