Abbie Ridder
2023 Graduate, Plant Biology and Environmental Studies
Graduate Research Assistant and Ecology Master's Student
Colorado State University
Job Summary: For my research I am looking at how we can manipulate the soil microbiome of prairies to improve recruitment and development of plant seedlings.
Job Highlight: I love how smart and curious my fellow graduate students are! This helps me to push outside of my comfort zone.
Work Environment: All of my research is greenhouse based, but I often help my lab mates in the field! Otherwise, I work at my computer at home or in my office.
After Graduate School: I hope to return to the midwest and work for a nonprofit agency such as the Nature Conservancy.
Advice for Students: You are more qualified than you think! Apply to the jobs and the programs that you think are a long shot and just see what happens. Also, don't be afraid to take some time after undergrad before you pursue grad school. This time can be used to gain new skills, explore new places, and learn more about what you want to research in grad school!
Talon Mues
2022 Graduate, Agronomy
Water and Cropping Systems Extension Instructor
Nebraska Extension - serves Buffalo, Dawson and Hall counties
Job Summary: My role is to provide farmers any educational materials, trainings, and demonstrations that would aid their farming operations to become more profitable, sustainable, and safe. I cover all aspects of water and cropping systems including nutrient management, pest management, irrigation, and more.
Job Highlight: My favorite part of my job is getting to work hands-on with farmers. By getting involved in the community and cropping systems of my counties, I get to help supporting agriculture and education.
Work Environment: This position allows me to work in a variety of environments, and I get to do a little bit of everything. I have an office in the Dawson County Extension Office, but there are many times where I meet growers outside, walk or scout fields, there are even some opportunities to do lab work.
After Graduate School: My estimated graduation date is in December 2025 from my plant pathology master's program. After graduating, I will get promoted to an Extension Educator within Nebraska Extension. This will allow me to fully participate in my duties as an educator within my counties.
Advice for Students: I would advise those interested in an extension role to find opportunities to work in Extension-focused labs or intern with county extension offices. Getting to participate in and learn about extension and the contribution you can make to agriculture is by far one of the most rewarding experiences one can have. Also, attending extension events is always a great way educate yourself about what extension really is.
Nathan Duffy
2018 Graduate, Horticulture
Business Owner
Midwest Natives Nursery
Job Summary: At Midwest Natives Nursery, we specialize in the production of Great Plains-native perennial wildflowers and grasses. We grow and sell, to both wholesale and retail customers, exclusively non-cultivar and pesticide-free native plants for use in home landscaping and restoration projects aimed at supporting pollinators, wildlife and the ecosystem around us.
Job Highlight: Interacting with all of our customers, new and old. The native plant community is still quite small compared to traditional horticulture, but the folks involved are so incredibly dedicated that over the last eight years of working in this field, so many of my long time customers have become actual lifelong friends. As the industry continues to grow, I am always excited to meet even more people just getting started on their journey with native gardening!
Work Environment: Greenhouses
Advice for Students: Come join us for a spring internship!
Cory Wilder
2011 Graduate, Turf and Turfgrass Management
Deputy Community Services Administrator, Operations
City of Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Job Summary: Essentially, I oversee all aspects of maintenance for City infrastructure including but not limited to Parks (300+ acres), Streets (Road Paving, Stormwater), and Facilities (Police Station, Fire Station, Recreation Center, City Hall, etc.).
Job Highlight: I love that every day is different. I also love the growth mindset of the city and the fact that I get to work with so many great individuals that we don't know what's next, but we know it's going to be something great, because we just keep pushing to do the best that we possibly can to serve the public.
Work Environment: 70% inside in an office, 30% outside
Advice for Students: Look seven steps ahead - instead of just looking at the next promotion, think about what the CEO, or in my case, what the city manager is doing and emulate them so you can prepare for the promotion you hope to get in the future.
Justin Zoucha
2020 Graduate, Agronomy
Farmer and Cattleman
Zoucha Farms LLC
Job Summary: I farm alongside my dad and uncle. Together, we run a ridge-till operation raising corn and soybeans as well as run a Brangus cow/calf herd.
Job Highlight: My favorite part on the crop side would be harvesting the crop because you get to see all your hard work, the ups and downs, all come to fruition. You get to learn from the good things you did as well as your mistakes. On the cattle side, my favorite part is working with the newborn calves and watching them grow over the year.
Work Environment: My work is primarily spent outside in the fields. I work with rotated corn-soybean fields, continuous corn, pastures, and hay meadows. Numerous hours are also spent in tractors and repairing machinery in the shop.
Advice for Students: To someone planning to go back to the family farm: My advice would be to learn all that you can in your time at UNL because the knowledge you gain there will complement all the knowledge passed down from your parents/grandparents etc very well. It will help you keep things in perspective, and to look at things in a different way.
Andrew Getty
2017 GRADUATE, TURFGRASS AND LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT
Golf Course Superintendent
The Prairie Club
Job Summary: As a golf course superintendent, I am responsible for all things related to the grounds upkeep and maintenance of a golf course. My daily activities include planning, budgeting, managing the crew, agronomic decisions and data collection.
Job Highlight: My favorite part of my job is getting to work with and experience nature each and every day. The Nebraska Sandhills are one of the most beautiful places on the planet, and I get to enjoy the peace and tranquility of the prairie all year round. I also enjoy providing an unforgettable experience for those who visit our golf course. There are so many details behind the scenes that go in to every guest experience, and its a fun challenge to pursue perfection.
Work Environment: My job is primarily outside, soaking up the sunrise each day. A little time is spent inside the office before I go home, catching up on emails and organizing for the next day.
Advice for Students: Anybody interested in a career as a golf course superintendent should simply start working on a golf course! There are many great superintendents in Nebraska who make great mentors to study under. Current students should do a wide array of internships while at UNL to really know what kind of golf facility they will enjoy working at upon graduation.
Jaclyn Nelson
2017 Graduate, Horticulture
Business Owner
Blevior Floral
Job Summary: Each day I get the honor of touching peoples lives with flowers on their best and worst days.
Job Highlight: My love for designing flowers is why I started my floral shop, but I really love finding ways my staff can truly enjoy what they do everyday.
Work Environment: We mostly make messes inside and outside of our flower shop with a greenhouse.
Advice for Students: I am so blessed to get to work along side some amazing florists, I always recommend finding internships or part-time jobs even if you are just asking buckets, you can learn something.
Brandon Mars
2022 Graduate, Horticulture (Landscape Design & Management)
Business Owner
Paradise Landscape & Design
Job Summary: I work directly with clients to plan and design their landscapes, then manage and take part in the installation to make sure the finished project matches their vision.
Job Highlight: I love working outside with my hands, helping people connect with nature and enjoy their landscaping.
Work Environment: Majority outdoor work with residential clients.
Advice for Students: With hard work and dedication, you can achieve anything you set your mind to. Take the leap toward your dream job. You won’t regret it.
Allison Barnes
2014 Graduate, BS in Agronomy / 2019 Graduate, PhD in Biochemistry
Research Geneticist
United States Department of Agriculture
Job Summary: I work on a large national project to improve corn's nitrogen use efficiency and cold tolerance.
Job Highlight: My favorite part of my job is knowing that I am working on projects that will directly impact American farmers and consumers.
Work Environment: My project had field-based components at the beginning (lots of summer sample collection), then I spent a significant amount of time processing the samples and generating lipid profiles using a mass spectrometer, and now I'm analyzing the data. So, a little bit of everything!
Advice for Students: Practice discussing your research in terms the general public will understand, and always keep in mind how your work can be translated into real-world solutions.
Cecile Renfro
2018 Graduate, Plant Biology: Ecology and Management
Coastal Wetland Research Intern (2-year appointment)
Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve
Job Summary: In short, it’s all about plants! I'm currently analyzing a long-term monitoring dataset to understand how a remnant wetland plant community has responded to water level changes over the last decade. Ultimately, I’ll use these these findings together with input from our partner agencies to create a formal recommendation for future sampling techniques and data sharing protocols.
Job Highlight: I absolutely love the location. Prior to this position I had never even been to a Great Lake! Now at the headwaters of the Great Lakes, I get a daily reminder that what I’m doing is part of something much bigger than myself. As a part of The Reserve, I spend time connecting with this remarkable landscape daily and I’m lucky enough to help others discover their own sense of place here, too.
Work Environment: My work environment is different all the time! I spend some days inside and some days, especially in summer, outside on various coastal wetlands in the Saint Louis River Estuary of Lake Superior.
Advice for Students: My best advice to anyone interested in this career—or any career—is to find supportive mentors to build authentic relationships with. Having people in your corner to guide, encourage, and motivate you can make all the difference in your journey.
Erin Kinley
2015 Graduate, Horticulture (Plant Science option)
Senior Extension Program Manager & State Master Gardener Coordinator
Penn State Extension
Job Summary: I manage a team of fifty full-time and part-time staff and over 4,000 Extension Master Gardener volunteers to educate the public on best practices in sustainable horticulture and environmental stewardship.
Job Highlight: I love working at the intersection of plants and people! The Master Gardener Program trains individuals to share science-based gardening education with others. What could be better than empowering people to use plants to make a difference in their communities?
Work Environment: Primarily inside, with a lot of time on Zoom and answering emails. Horticultural knowledge is a core competency for my particular position, but communication is hands-down the most important skill for working with the public and as a leader. That said, I spend a lot of my personal (non-work) time working on my garden so I stay aware of current pest and disease issues and garden trends that I can then communicate to my staff and volunteers.
Advice for Students: If you are interested in Extension work, spend lots of time honing your writing and public speaking skills. Knowledge is not that helpful if can't professionally communicate what you know! I would also like to give a shoutout to the UNL Horticulture Club. My participation in Horticulture Club exposed me to so many different careers, and managing plant sales gave me leadership and work experience that I still use today.
