Professional Affiliations:
Employment:
Research Mentor, Utah State University - 2013-2015
Taught and mentored 12 undergraduate students over two field seasons. Trained students on the basics of field research including data collection and plant processing techniques. Many of these students had no prior laboratory experience, and are now able to accomplish laboratory procedures for soil analysis. Developed three laboratory protocols for soil health measurements and successfully trained students to accomplish these intricate processes. Guided one student on how to establish a randomized weed study trial, set the environmental controls, maintain and harvest the crops.
Evaluator Pilot, United States Air Force - 2008-2009
Evaluated student performance as well as other instructors. Identified weaknesses in the current training programs and devised new ways to address these weaknesses. Developed an aerial video to help guide instructor and student pilots on ways to adapt their flight path in response to a challenging disruption on one of the airport’s runways.
Instructor Pilot, United States Air Force - 2004-2009
Taught over 100 young Air Force officers how to fly. Subjects ranged from basic aircraft maneuvers to multiple aircraft formation flights. Student evaluations accomplished by independent flight evaluators, with a greater than 90% of my students receiving passing evaluations. Produced capable pilots at rate greater than 95%, with zero safety related incidents.
Education:
Ph.D. in Plant Science - 2016
Utah State University, Logan, UT
Dissertation: “Increasing the Sustainability of Utah Farms through Incorporating
Quinoa as a Novel Crop and Protecting Soil Organic Matter”
M.S. in Plant Science - 2011
Utah State University, Logan, UT
Thesis: “Evaluating Fertilizer Rate, Crop Rotation and Trap Crops for Effects on Onion Growth and Yield, Soil Health, Thrips Densities and Iris Yellow Spot Virus Incidence”
B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering - 1998
United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO
