Cohort 2
AJ Burdick
Food Science
My name is AJ Burdick, and I am a Food Science major. I chose to study Food Science because it allowed me to combine my childhood dream of being a chef with my current love for science. I am an active member of Michigan State’s Food Science Club as well as a Campus Tour Guide for MSU. After college, I plan to use my degree to pursue a career in Research and Development or International Food Policies and Safety.
Shannon Good
Animal Science
I am a second-year student at Michigan State University. I have a deep passion for agriculture which stems from being raised on my family’s dairy farm. My enthusiasm for agriculture and love for dairy cows inspired me to major in Animal Science. I’m very grateful to be a STEM-FEE Scholar because it has allows me to make many valuable connections with MSU Faculty and build strong relations with students that have similar interests.
Brecinda Alise Hernandez
Fisheries and Wildlife
I am currently a fisheries and wildlife major with a concentration of wildlife biology and management and a minor in conservation, recreation, and environmental enforcement. I chose this path because I have always had an interest in animals and wanted to be apart of the impact towards protecting our wildlife. At Michigan State University, I am a member of the Fisheries and Wildlife club to help gain experience towards my career. I plan to attend the conservation officer academy after graduation to work for the Department of Natural Resources in the law enforcement branch.
William Keinath
Crop and Soil Sciences
I come from an agricultural background, so naturally I chose something with agriculture. I chose Crop and Soil Sciences as my major and a minor in Agribusiness in hope of someday working as a chemical field sales representative. With the STEM-FEE program it has allowed me to create new friends, and relationships with faculty members that I otherwise would not have. It also allows me to see and hear different ideas about our agriculture community, and our environment in general.
Darla Knuth
Crop and Soil Sciences
Hi y’all my name is Darla and I’m from Rockwall, TX. I’m majoring in crop and soil science and minoring in entomology. Since being at MSU I’ve discovered I’m very interested in pest management and would like to explore that more going forward. So far on campus I’ve been involved in Bug Club and Block and Bridle where I’ve met some really great people. After graduation, I’m considering becoming a crop consultant or potentially going on to get my masters in agronomy.
Claire Komarzec
Entomology
Hi I’m Claire, and I study Entomology at Michigan State University. Entomology is the study of any creature with an exoskeleton. In basic terms I study bugs, arachnids and crustaceans. I’ve been Interested in bugs since I was a kid. Sadly I was teased for it a bit. Thankfully I didn’t care what others said and now it’s blossomed into my future career thanks to lots of help from the STEM-FEE program. I don’t exactly know what I’ll do when I graduate because entomology is such a diverse field. I try not to plan ahead in life too strictly because many people end up pushing aside opportunities to stay on their planned path. I know that as long as my future career helps at least one person or creature I’ll be happy and satisfied with myself.
Nevaeh Marshall
Horticulture
I joined the STEM-FEE academy in my first year at MSU as a Horticulture Student with a minor is Environmental Studies and Sustainability. I chose this as my major because Horticulture is something I am passionate about and I love working outside in nature. I am currently working on an organic farm and it has only proved my love for plants. Outside of school and work.
Thomas Rondeau
Fisheries and Wildlife
I enjoy studying Fisheries & Wildlife because right away I was able to take classes related to my major. I got involved with Duck’s Unlimited even though I’ve never been duck hunting before. It has broadened my opportunities for the future. I was worried about going to such a big school, but joining different clubs as well as STEM-FEE, I was able to find friends with similar interests as me.
Avery Rutland
Fisheries and Wildlife
My name is Avery Rutland and I am from Burleson, Texas. I have a passion for learning about animals and the environment that they live in, which led me to major in Fisheries and Wildlife, where I can do both. I am so happy to be a STEM-FEE Scholar because it has given me a community of other students and faculty that encourage and support me during my college experience. As well as being part of STEM-FEE, I am a member of MSU photography club, Alpha Xi Delta Sorority, and The National Society of Collegiate Scholars.
Ryan Sabo
Forestry
I chose forestry as my major because I’ve always loved being outdoors, and I want to be able to have passion in my work. I love that when I go on walks, I’m able to identify the trees and shrubs around me and get other people interested in the environment. My goal is to learn more about sustainable logging that can be used for cross-laminated timber and mass timber. Last year, I was involved in the bat club. We put up bat houses and gave informational walks around campus. This year, I would like to get involved in more environmental clubs if COVID permits.
Ty’Carria Trevino
Fisheries and Wildlife
The STEM-FEE Scholarship program is more than just a scholarship, its a growing family of people who are genuine, and suportive every step of the way, not just financially. There are monthly gatherings where Scientist come to chat with us about what it takes to be a scientist and what the steps could look like getting there. This year we even got the opportunity to pick topics and speaks we would like to hear from. I chose my major, Fisheries and Wildlife, because ever since I was a young child I have always had a fascination with animals, our connection to them, and our connection to the outside world. With my major I am able to dive into concepts that revolve around all three and become connected with Wildlife in a way I never expected to . I think that it was amazing that in my first semester we got hands on experience with a wide range of natural habitats, including a pond, river, marshlands and many more! The faculty responsible for the STEM-FEE scholarship are amazing and they make MSU (a really big university) feel like a home away from home. I couldn’t be more happy with my degree choice and being a part of this program.
Katarina (Kat) Gonzalez-Garcia
Horticulture
I chose my major because I love getting to watch plants grow, starting from seed or cutting or whatever it may be and watching the progression into a mature, sometimes flowering, plant. I also love the versatility of plants, they can be used for food, medicine, design, and so much more. I hope to one day manage a garden or even have my own business.
Andrew Peter Davis
Crop and Soil Sciences
