Students

May 2, 2025

Transforming Communities Through Support

Cristal Avalos, a master's student in Youth, Family, and Community Sciences at NC State, is dedicated to empowering families and communities through her work in nonprofits, education, and leadership roles focused on support systems and resilience. 

Mar 12, 2025

Creating Opportunities for All in Agriculture

Keonte Edmonds’ journey from secondary school teacher to Ph.D. candidate at NC State is a testament to resilience, mentorship, and a deep commitment to agricultural education, advocacy, and community building. 

Feb 22, 2025

A Chance Discovery

An unexpected Google search led Maris Jones to NC State’s Youth, Family, and Community Sciences program, where she found her passion for youth development and a path to making a lasting impact. 

Jan 6, 2025

Sowing Seeds of Change

Libby Blosser, a graduate student in agricultural and extension education at NC State, is channeling her passion for sustainable agriculture and community service into a future career supporting farmers and mentoring youth in her hometown of Columbus County. 

Dec 12, 2024

Building Connections and Supporting Families Through Leadership

Briana Wilson, a master’s student in youth, family, and community sciences, is dedicated to empowering families and fostering community connections through her academic journey and professional work as program director for family and supporter engagement at UNC Charlotte. 

Nov 11, 2024

Leading Agricultural Change in Native American Communities

CALS student Howard Jacobs’ interest in agriculture, his Lumbee community and leadership drive him to seek meaningful connections between his heritage and his work while making a lasting impact through education, outreach and policy. 

Nov 1, 2024

Spreading Their Wings

In honor of First-Generation Celebration Week, CALS cheers on our vibrant, dynamic students and shares their stories of pride, resilience and optimism. Meet a few of our first-generation go-getters. 

Oct 4, 2024

I Am CALS: Gaebryl Vives

Agricultural science student Gaebryl Vives has found a growing purpose working as a program assistant at NC State Extension’s Briggs Avenue Community Garden, which provides fresh produce to people facing food insecurity. 

Sep 6, 2024

Turning Challenges into Change

Transforming her past challenges into a mission, Ana Arreola-Chapa empowers families through education, cultural understanding, and community support. 

Aug 21, 2024

Advancing Agriculture

With a background in journalism and a passion for agricultural development, doctoral student Joseph Gakpo hopes to leverage his education to make a difference in his native Ghana.