Cori Lee Receives the CFAES Distinguished Senior Award

April 27, 2023
Cori Lee receiving her award!

Congratulations to Cori Lee on receiving the 2023 CFAES Distinguished Senior Award! Cori is a Sustainable Plant Systems (SPS) major with an Agronomy specialization + she's just a few days away from graduating.

The Distinguished Senior Award honors top graduating seniors on the Ohio State Columbus campus who exemplify the CFAES mission in areas such as academics and scholarship, research and innovation, service and involvement, and influence and leadership. What a great way to cap off her time as an undergrad!

Luckily, Cori had a moment to share a bit about her experiences as an undergrad here at Ohio State:


How did you become interested in Agronomy?

Cori: I grew up on my family's grain farm and enjoyed helping during planting and harvest, which started my interest in agronomy. I was heavily involved in FFA in high school, which only grew my passion for agriculture. I chose agronomy because I loved learning about the science behind the crops we grow. Coming from a family of Buckeyes, Ohio State was a pretty easy choice! 

Could you tell us a bit about your experience as an SPS – Agronomy major?

Cori: From in the classroom and outside of it, I've had many different experiences that made my time at Ohio State so valuable. The faculty are one-of-a-kind and are always willing to help, even if it is a question outside of class. I will always be grateful for their mentorship and opportunties they offered outside of the classroom. With their help, I found my passion for on-farm research and agronomy. The knowledge I gained in the classroom is irreplacable, whether it was in a lecture or in a lab. The hands-on labs in the greenhouse or in the field have provided a lot of practical experience that I will use after my graduation. Outside of class, getting to know my peers and getting involved offered so much more than I would have ever expected. I've enjoyed being involved in the Crops and Soils Club, where I've been able to travel to Ames, Baltimore, and Salt Lake City and meet other agronomy students from across the country and compete in Crops Judging. Getting to be a part of the Weeds Team and traveling to Johnston, Iowa was also something I will never forget!

Do you have plans lined up for post-graduation?

Cori: I will be working at Integrated Ag Services as an Agronomy Information Advisor. 

Do you have any advice for students considering becoming an SPS major?

Cori: Don't be afraid of what you don't know and use it as a learning opportunity. Knowing what you don't know is just the first step! Take advantage of your experiences at Ohio State and leverage the people and knowledge you have access to. 


From all of us here in the Department of Horticulture and Crop Science we wish you the best as you become an alumnus + begin your career!