Congratulations to Isabel Delamater on receiving the 2023 CFAES Distinguished Senior Award! Isabel is a Sustainable Plant Systems (SPS) major with a Plant Biosciences 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, Isabel had a moment to share a bit about her experiences as an undergrad here at Ohio State:
How did you become interested in Plant Biosciences?
Isabel: I started out as an engineering student but volunteered with a community garden and realized my passion was in community agriculture and started looking for majors in HCS. I chose plant biosciences because it had really high level chemistry which I was interested in. I also liked that there were a lot of career opportunities within this major since I was transferring in late and wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted to do after graduation yet.
Could you tell us a bit about your experience as an SPS – Plant Biosciences major?
Isabel: I have really enjoyed my time in plant biosciences. I think the high level science course (like ochem, ecology, and genetics) really helped me gain a broader understanding of plant systems. I have also had opportunities to work in the field through internships in both horticulture and agricultural research. I have continued to work with the Charles Madison Nabrit Memorial Garden and have enjoyed getting to apply what I am learning in class to a real world setting.
Do you have plans lined up for post-graduation?
Isabel: I recently accepted a Master’s position in the integrated plant and soil science program at the University of Kentucky. I will be working on a soil science project focused on the nitrogen cycle.
Do you have any advice for students considering becoming an SPS major?
Isabel: Choose something you are passionate about. Classes are a lot easier if you are interested in the topics and want to learn about it. I would also recommend getting involved in student organizations. It's a great way to get hands on experience and learn more about your field. Student organizations are also a great way to learn about other fields. I'm involved in a couple of humanitarian engineering organizations that have been great experiences and have allowed me to combine my background of engineering with agriculture.
From all of us here in the Department of Horticulture and Crop Science we wish you the best as you become an alumnus, continue your education + move towards your career goals!