North Willamette Research and Extension Center (NWREC) 15210 NE Miley Road Aurora, OR 97002-9543
Apogee Instrument-Campbell Scientific Graduate Fellowship - 2015 Devere McCallister Scholarship - 2015 ASA/SSSA/CSSA Mott Award, Utah State University Nominee - 2015 Elva Acklam and Avril Stark Scholarship, Utah State University - 2014 and 2015 Distinguished Graduate, Undergraduate Pilot Training, United States Air Force - 2000
ASA/SSA/CSSA
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.
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
Presenter and organizer of Annual Utah Quinoa Growers Meeting - 2014 Held an annual meeting with 15 local grower-cooperators and researchers to assess progress of field trials and prepare for upcoming field season
Presenter and organizer of the USU Quinoa Field Day - 2014 This encompassed tours of field trials, presentations from regional quinoa experts and in-depth discussion of regional organic cropping systems.
Presenter at Utah Onion Grower’s Association Field Day - 2010 Presented poster with initial findings of replicated field trial on nitrogen fertilizer rates, crop rotation, and pest pressure
Presenter at Kaysville Agricultural Experiment Station Field Day - 2010 Presented replicated field plots and initial findings to growers, extension agents, researchers and local community members