What’s next for Grace Cornell – HCS Class of 2022

April 5, 2022
Grace Cornell - HCS Senior

The career opportunities our students can pursue post-graduation are endless! We recently sat down with HCS graduating senior, Grace Cornell, to learn a bit about her time here at OSU HCS & see what exciting career she will be embarking on in just a few short weeks!


What’s your major?

Sustainable Plant Systems with a specialization in Horticulture

What got you interested in being part of HCS?

My interest in HCS started my junior year of high school when I took a 4-H gardening project. I enjoyed learning about horticulture through the extension agents but didn’t realize that I could make a career out of it until I started at OSU. The hands-on lab experiences and helpful professors have been my favorite part about HCS.

What’s next for you after graduation?

I’ll be the program coordinator for the Marion Microfarm Project - where I’ll train new farmers and help them establish their businesses. The goal is to start a farmers co-op in Marion to provide food for the surrounding areas and also allow the schools to use it as a resource for classes. 

How did you find this job opportunity?

I wanted to thank [Dr. Klooster] for having us do the professional development project in the HCS Capstone Class last semester. I ended up getting a job from it! I’m not sure that I would’ve taken the leap to do this if it wasn’t for our development project. 

Dr. Klooster chimed in to share her excitement for Grace with us – “I’m thrilled to hear that this worked out for [Grace] and I’m so excited for [her] to have this opportunity."

Microfarm in Mansfield

Tell us a bit about your role at the Marion Microfarm Project?

My role will be helping new farmers of all backgrounds gain the knowledge of cultivating crops and developing a profitable small farm. The goal is to expand urban agriculture while providing the surrounding area with fresh produce. This will provide support to the local economy and also create opportunities for hands-on education in schools. 

What are you most looking forward to as you start this new opportunity?

I’m looking forward to helping new farmers successfully establish their businesses in Marion County. I can’t wait to see the positive impacts it has on the community.

What advice would you give to students trying to figure out what they want to do after college?

I’d advise current and future undergrads to take advantage of as many opportunities as they can. Networking with professionals and expressing your excitement about being involved in the industry makes a huge difference.


You can learn more about the Marion Microfarm Project by clicking here