Rachel Drobnak, of Olmsted Township, Ohio, is a Michigan State University (MSU) Crop and Soil Sciences major in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences (PSM) with minors in Spanish and environmental studies and sustainability.
The Crop and Soil Sciences major prepares crop, soil and turfgrass scientists and environmentalists to apply scientific principles of crop and soil management for careers in agriculture, agribusiness, turfgrass management, government agencies and related areas. Plant, soil and microbial scientists seek solutions related to world hunger, soil remediation, the effects of climate change on crops, water quality, plant diseases and much more.
"I chose to come to MSU, coming out-of-state, because it was affordable through the Ohio Spartan Grant and other scholarships, and I liked the welcoming, community-feeling environment the campus had," Drobnak said.
"I loved that there are many opportunities outside of the classroom here: undergraduate research, internships, community engagement, study abroad and more."
She added, "I came into college as an exploratory CANR major but chose crop and soil sciences (CSS) because I was interested in understanding food systems and enjoyed being outside...In my opinion, agriculture connects to many social and environmental inequities, and it's exciting to be able to face these challenges and make the world a better place."
Her favorite experiences have been her internships. She served as a farm intern at Hallstedt Homestead Cherries in Leelanau County and as a Sustainable Agriculture intern with Kalamazoo County MSU Extension.
"Both experiences helped me understand what challenges farmers are facing, what MSU Extension and other services do to support farmers, and how there are tons of amazing research projects occurring at MSU to improve agriculture, both for farmers and the environment," she said.
Drobnak is a member of the Residential Initiative on the Study of the Environment (RISE), MSU Agronomy Club, the PSM Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee and is a student associate at University Lutheran Church. She has served as a professorial assistant under Dr. Krista Isaacs and is a carillonist at Beaumont Tower.
Following graduation, she plans to pursue a master's degree in agriculture or a related field. She would like to develop her research and outreach skills during graduate school, focusing on agroecology, cropping system management and soil health. Long-term, her goal is to become an Extension educator or outreach specialist and assist farmers in their needs as well as disseminate research and educate others.
Drobnak is one of the 2022 CANR Alumni Association Scholarship recipients.
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