Each year, the Department of Horticulture and Crop Science (HCS) hosts a Spring Soiree to recognize the remarkable achievements of our students, staff, faculty, alumni, and friends.
This year Mirai Inaoka received the 2025 HCS Outstanding Graduate Student Award for demonstrating academic excellence and providing service to fellow graduate students and the department. Mirai will be completing a 6 month internship at Corteva Agriscience as a Seed Product Development intern and had some time to tell us about her experience in grad school...
What got you interested in plant breeding and genetics?
I took an interest in plant breeding and genetics during my undergraduate studies after learning through a hands-on course how plant breeding can be used to address global challenges in agriculture. I also completed an undergraduate research project seeking to understand the genetic basis of structural traits in maize, which further led me down the path of quantitative genetics.
What were some highlights of grad school for you?
The biggest highlight of grad school has definitely been my research project, where I had the opportunity to further develop my data analysis skills as well as assist with phenotyping and harvest in the field. I also enjoyed presenting my research at several conferences and networking with plant breeders in academia and industry. Finally, it was very rewarding to collaborate with my peers to organize the annual HCS Graduate Research Symposium.
what were your thoughts on winning the hcs outstanding senior award?
It was truly an honor to have been nominated and selected for this award. I am immensely grateful for the continuous and unwavering support from my peers and faculty in HCS, who have played a pivotal role in helping me grow into the scientist I am today. Their encouragement has allowed me to stay focused on my research while continuing my active involvement in the department.
Any advice for students considering studying plant science or pursuing plant science related careers?
Keep an open mind, as plant science is a multidisciplinary field where you will have the opportunity to collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds. Never be afraid to pursue an opportunity, no matter how big or small—you never know if one opportunity might shape the trajectory of your career. Most importantly, don’t hesitate to reach out to professors and researchers and maintain those connections as you expand your network within the field.
What's up next for you?
I will be completing a 6-month internship at Corteva Agriscience as a Seed Product Development intern while I search for PhD positions in plant breeding and genetics!
Eager for more news from our Spring Soiree? You're in luck - check out all the articles here.