2024 CALS Distinguished and Outstanding Alumni Honored

Alease Hancock, a native of Scotland Neck, North Carolina, is a dedicated alumna of the Agricultural Institute, where she earned her associate’s degree in general agriculture in 2020. With more than three decades of service at NC State, Hancock retired as a student services specialist from the Agricultural Institute (AGI), a role she held with distinction for 24 years. Her career at NC State began in the Registrar’s Office and spanned various positions within AGI and CALS Academic Programs.

Hancock’s contributions to the university have been recognized with numerous awards, including the CALS Award of Excellence in 2017 and the Pride of the Wolfpack Award in 2015. In honor of her impactful career and commitment to students, an AGI scholarship was established in her name upon her retirement, an achievement she holds with immense pride and humility.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Hancock enjoys indulging in “all things crafty.” She is an active member of her community and serves on the AGI Advisory Board and with the Delta Tau Alpha Honor Society and Pullen Society.

Hancock’s advice to students is to embrace their achievements and remain grateful for the support and connections that have shaped their journey. During her time as a student, she was involved in Delta Tau Alpha and the AGI Club, experiences that have left a lasting impact on her professional life.

Hancock’s legacy at NC State is marked by her unwavering dedication to student success and her lasting influence on the AGI community.

Robin Tutor Marcom is a seasoned professional in agricultural and extension education, having earned her Ed.D. in 2016. Growing up on a farm in Orange County, North Carolina, Marcom moved to Clayton in 1985 and calls Johnston County home now. She currently serves as the chief administrative officer at The Veteran’s Farm of North Carolina, Inc., after retiring from a distinguished career with the North Carolina Agromedicine Institute on July 1.

Throughout her career, Marcom has been a driving force in advancing agricultural safety and health. Her efforts have been recognized with numerous accolades, including being named a N.C. Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services Ambassador of Agriculture in June 2024. Notably, she developed and implemented a model that supports farmers in meeting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s respiratory protection standards for soil fumigants and restricted use pesticides, earning her the Professional Recognition Award from the American Association of Pesticide Safety Educators in 2021.

In 2020, Marcom’s work with the NC Agromedicine Institute was recognized by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities’ Commission on Economic and Community Engagement Scholarship Consortium. Her dedication to improving farm stress management and behavioral health support for farmers and farmworkers has been lifesaving, employing a multi-pronged approach to suicide prevention. Additionally, she played a key role in assisting North Carolina farms in managing COVID-19-related risks through interagency collaboration.

Marcom remains active in her community by annually judging 4-H state presentations in Agricultural Safety and Health, a category she helped establish. She is also a member of the International Society for Agricultural Safety and Health.

Marcom advises students to remain open to opportunities and take the time to find the area within agricultural and extension education that best aligns with their interests and skills.

Nick Kuminoff, a Northern California native, is an associate professor in the Economics Department at Arizona State University and a research associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research. Having earned his Ph.D. in economics from NC State University in 2006, Kuminoff has made significant contributions to his field, authoring more than 50 journal articles, book chapters and working papers, which have been cited more than 3,600 times. His academic influence extends to his service on more than 50 student dissertation and thesis committees, shaping the next generation of economists.

Kuminoff’s research aims to understand the supply and demand for public goods and environmental amenities, such as air quality and open space. His recent projects have included developing satellite accounts for implicit spending on environmental amenities, investigating how menus of electricity price plans and health insurance plans can be designed to improve consumer welfare, examining how air pollution affects health and human capital among senior citizens, and estimating their willingness to pay to reduce exposure to health risks. His work has been recognized and funded by more than $2.5 million in grants from prominent agencies, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation.

Kuminoff serves on the board of directors for the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists. He also plays a key role as an editor for the Journal of the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists and serves on the editorial board for the Review of Environmental Economics and Policy.

He advises students to become proficient in coding languages like Matlab, Python and R, emphasizing that these tools are essential for applying economic insights to solve practical problems in research, government and business.

Vance C Dalton Jr. is the president and chief executive officer of AgSouth Farm Credit, a $4.5 billion financial institution focused on supporting agriculture and rural communities in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. He has more than 31 years of experience with Farm Credit. Prior to coming to AgSouth Farm Credit, he worked as an area livestock agent with the NC State University Cooperative Extension Service. Dalton joined AgSouth Farm Credit in 1993 as a loan officer in Statesville, North Carolina, and has since served in numerous roles over the years, rising to his current leadership role as president and CEO in 2014.

Dalton graduated from NC State with a B.S. in animal science and a minor in agricultural business management while being involved with the Animal Science Club. He is also a graduate of the Advanced Management Program of the NC School of Banking.

Dalton is also highly involved in several national and southeast regional organizations. He currently serves on the board of directors of the NC 4-H Development Fund, NC Agribusiness Council, Palmetto Agribusiness Council, University of Georgia-Advancing Georgia’s Leaders in Agriculture & Forestry, Appalachian State University-Hickory Campus Advisory Committee, Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and FCCS.

Keeping close to his roots growing up on a small apple and beef cattle farm in Hendersonville, North Carolina, Dalton has committed his career to supporting agriculture and growing the next generation of leaders in the industry. Dalton’s advice to students is to “build a strong network of fellow students, faculty and leaders. Your ability to leverage those relationships will give you competitive advantages in your future endeavors.”

Ben Reading is a world leader in the reproductive physiology and aquaculture of fish and holds a Ph.D. in zoology, which he earned in 2008. He is currently an associate professor and University Faculty Scholar in NC State University’s Department of Applied Ecology and serves as the faculty liaison for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences’ Pamlico Aquaculture Field Laboratory.

Additionally, Reading is the coordinator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Sea Grant National Aquaculture Collaborative StriperHub with North Carolina Sea Grant and co-coordinates the national breeding program for the hybrid striped bass industry with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service. He is a key member of the USDA Southern Regional Aquaculture Center and has served as the national chair and aquaculture coordinator for the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture National Research Support Project 8. His research has garnered more than $12 million in grants, and he has authored more than 60 scientific publications and delivered over 240 presentations, briefings and public statements.

Reading’s expertise extends beyond academia; he was brevetted second lieutenant U.S. Army, a former project director for U.S. Agency for International Development Feed the Future AquaFish Innovation Lab in sub-Saharan Africa, and was a subject matter expert for the USDA, NOAA and the Department of Homeland Security. Reading won the New Innovator in Food & Agriculture Research Award in 2016 from the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research. 

Reading’s advice to students is to keep an open mind, be flexible and figure out what you want to do. He says recognizing opportunities is the best recipe for success, and you only get that through experience.

Devin Carroll grew up in eastern North Carolina, where he enjoyed a busy lifestyle that revolved around family, agriculture, sports and anything outdoors, spending his summers in tobacco and cotton fields.

In 1991, Carroll discovered a department that connected engineering to agriculture and realized that biological and agricultural engineering was his calling. He worked part time as a student until completing his bachelor’s degree in the fall of 1995. Carroll then joined Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering (BAE) staff, where he worked on projects that had global impacts on post-harvest handling of North Carolina commodities. His work focused on automation and data acquisition. Carroll credits his career success to working alongside staff and students of the BAE department. During his tenure, Carroll obtained a Master of Engineering in May 2000. 

In 2000, he built Custom Controls, an automation company to bring high-tech post-harvest control solutions to the agricultural industry. The business expanded to include automation of water and wastewater treatment systems. In 2002, he became a professional engineer, followed by an electrical contractor. Over the next 24 years, the business grew, staffing engineers and technicians primarily from the BAE program. 

Recently retired, Carroll splits time between Raleigh, the family farm and Lake Gaston with his wife Melissa, son Duke, and daughters Kendall and Holden.

Carroll currently serves as chair of the BAE advisory board.

His advice to students: “As a candidate from CALS, show a genuine interest in learning the field. Research the type of work that the company does ahead of interviews so that you can relate your experience from CALS and previous jobs. No job on an entry-level resume is too mediocre for presenting. Employers are starving for great work ethic, and jobs that show hard work are as useful as those that show related work.”

Paula Woodall, a two-time alumna of NC State University, grew up on her family farm in Johnston County and has dedicated her life to elevating her local community and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) through volunteer service. As a founding member of the CALS Alumni and Friends Society and a past president of the Society’s Advisory Board, Woodall is an advocate for alumni engagement and support of her alma mater. She has served the North Carolina Agricultural Foundation since 1992 and currently chairs the Investment and Audit Committee. She is also a member of the NC State Agricultural Institute Advisory Board.

Woodall is the senior vice president and senior agribusiness development officer for First Citizens Bank & Trust, tirelessly supporting farmers and promoting financial wellness of their businesses. 

With 38 years in agribusiness finance, Woodall’s dedication goes beyond her professional duties. She has shown unwavering commitment to youth development and community service through active volunteer work with organizations like North Carolina 4-H, Boy Scouts of America and NC FFA. Her leadership on committees, including Envision Johnston, the Johnston County Career & Technical Education Advisory Board, Johnston County Extension Advisory Board and Sampson County Friends of Agriculture, reflects her dedication to shaping her community’s future. 

Honored with the Alpha Zeta Outstanding Alumni Award, NC State Agronomy Club Alumni of the Year Award and NAADA 2024 Volunteer Service Award, Woodall’s benefaction at NC State has been cemented through her recent creation of an endowed undergraduate scholarship, ensuring that her support of students and agriculture continues for generations.

Her legacy includes her son and daughter, both part of the Pack.

Woodall’s advice for students is to “pursue your passion and find a career that you enjoy. If you are passionate about what you do, it won’t feel like work. Find your life’s calling and go for it.”

Thomas Mitchell is a distinguished expert in plant pathology with a career spanning academia and government leadership. After earning his Ph.D. in plant pathology in 2000 at NC State University, Mitchell began his career as a research faculty member there. He later joined The Ohio State University (OSU), where he rose to the position of full professor and eventually department chair. His journey led him to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, where he served as a national program leader, working on critical projects like plant biotic interactions and agricultural microbiomes, often in partial duty at the National Science Foundation.

During his prolific career, Mitchell secured more than $13 million in funded research, as a principal investigator, co-principal investigator or senior scientist. His research output includes more than 70 manuscripts, publications, book chapters, and reviews. At OSU, Mitchell’s dedication to education was evident as he created and taught six different courses and was a dedicated and decorated mentor of students at all levels. 

Mitchell’s service record is extensive. He was elected to the board of trustees for one of Ohio’s largest townships, where he served as chairman and co-chairman managing four departments and leading critical union and procurement negotiations. In the professional realm, Mitchell has been an active member of the American Phytopathological Society since 1994, serving on 22 committees and boards, earning him the APS Volunteer of the Year Award in 2016. At OSU, he served on a vast variety of college and university committees, with significant contributions to designing university graduate program assessments programs and diversity initiatives as a faculty fellow in the graduate school, further cementing his legacy as an innovator in higher education.

Mitchell’s advice to students is to explore beyond their thesis or dissertation projects, engaging in outreach, professional volunteering, and interdisciplinary learning to enrich their academic and professional journey.

Marjorie Munneke, received her B.S. in food science from NC State University in 2010, and was deeply involved in the Caldwell Fellows Program and the University Scholars Program. She engaged in undergraduate research through the Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences (FBNS) and gained experience through corporate internships with Unilever, Kraft and Malt-O-Meal, where she was introduced to ingredient, process and product development. 

Following graduation, Munneke pursued a Ph.D. in chemistry at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. Her doctoral research focused on the innovative use of dual-trap optical tweezers to measure forces between emulsion droplets. This work positioned her at the intersection of advanced materials and food technology, setting the stage for her future contributions to developing new technologies to aid in scaling novel plant-based meat products. 

Munneke joined Impossible Foods in 2014, a company on a mission to positively impact people and the planet by making delicious, nutritious meat from plants with a fraction of the environmental footprint of meat from animals. As part of the research and development team, Munneke was instrumental in developing and scaling the Impossible Burger, one of the first plant-based products designed to replicate the taste, texture and culinary experience of ground beef. 

Today, Munneke is a director of R & D and is responsible for developing novel technologies to accelerate the adoption of plant-based meats through innovative ingredient, process and product solutions. Her team specializes in advanced processing techniques to produce novel protein and fat textures and flavor technologies. 

Munneke’s advice to students is to “embrace the interdisciplinary nature of the field and the creativity it demands. Food science blends science, technology and culinary arts, requiring innovative thinking to develop new products. Be creative and open to exploring new ideas and solutions. This approach will enhance your ability to create exciting products and keep you adaptable and forward-thinking in this dynamic industry.”

Anne Whealy is a two-time alumna of NC State University, with B.S. and M.S. degrees in horticultural science. She earned a Ph.D. in ornamental horticulture from the University of Florida in 1986. Her graduate studies and research at NC State were conducted under Roy Larson, concentrating on environmental and cultural factors affecting flower initiation and development in azaleas, chrysanthemums and other ornamental crops. After completing her Ph.D., Whealy joined Ball Seed Company in West Chicago, Illinois, as director of new product development, a role she held until 1992. Inspired by her work at Ball Seed, she founded her own business, Proprietary Rights International, and became a federally registered patent agent in 1995. 

Whealy’s lifelong passion for floriculture has driven her to make significant contributions to the industry. Her company is a leading U.S. plant patent service, supporting more than 125 clients globally. Remarkably, she has facilitated the granting of more than 8,000 U.S. plant patents. Her work has not only aided large horticultural firms but has also empowered small producers and breeders to benefit from their intellectual property, positively impacting their livelihoods and communities.

Whealy’s influence extends beyond her business. She served as president of FloraStar, an organization dedicated to trialing and promoting new plants, and has supported Pi Alpha Xi, the honorary horticultural society. Her extensive advocacy and industry involvement are highlighted by numerous presentations as an invited speaker, both in the U.S. and internationally. This year, Whealy is proud to have established a scholarship in her parents’ name with the American Floral Endowment to support graduate studies on effects of climate change on floricultural crops. Whealy’s dedication has had a profound and lasting effect on the floriculture industry, shaping its dynamic nature through decades of service and leadership.

Jose Trinidad Ascencio-Ibáñez (“Trino”) hails from Zamora, Michoacán, Mexico, and serves as an associate teaching professor and director of the undergraduate programs in the Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry at NC State University. A distinguished researcher in biochemistry, he earned his Ph.D. from NC State in 2007 and has since garnered significant recognition, including the Outstanding Global Engagement Award, Outstanding Faculty Advisor and Rotary Service Award. He is the co-owner of Tropigen SA de CV and Ascefran LLC and holds a patent on Begomovirus Resistance. With more than 1,000 citations and two editions of Experimental Biochemistry, he has trained more than 400 students in inquiry-based research.

Ascencio-Ibáñez’s lab is dedicated to understanding plant responses to viral infections, particularly focusing on geminiviruses using Arabidopsis, cassava and tomato as models. His research also extends to peppers and N. benthamiana, studying potyviruses like cassava brown streak disease and utilizing viruses such as TRV for gene silencing. His innovative work includes using multispectral systems to detect early virus presence, aiming to prevent viral spread before symptoms emerge.

Ascencio-Ibáñez’s research, supported by grants from the National Science Foundation and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, explores virus evolution and diversity and resistance mechanisms. He also collaborates with industry partners, like MicroPEP and Atomwise, to develop technologies for virus control in crops. The Biochemistry Undergraduate Research and Training Program (BURT-P), which he leads, engages students in groundbreaking research on viral interactions, plant defenses and beyond.

Ascencio-Ibáñez is a member of several professional organizations and serves on the Scientific Committee for the International Symposium for ssDNA Viruses 2025 and on journals as an invited editor for special issues.

Beyond academia, Ascencio-Ibáñez is an active Rotarian, participating in community service projects such as cleaning lakes, supporting community gardens and helping refugees in their transition into the United States.

He advises students “to fully embrace the growth opportunities offered by NC State, emphasizing the importance of exploring beyond coursework.”

Luke Mankin, a seasoned professional in the agricultural sector, has a robust background in product development, marketing and research. Raised along the East Coast, from Maryland to Florida, Mankin’s passion for biotechnology was sparked in high school by his biology teacher, Mr. Hoffman. He pursued this interest at the University of Chicago, earning a B.A. in biology with research honors.

Mankin continued his academic journey at NC State University, where he completed a Ph.D. in botany with a focus on plant physiology and biotechnology in 2000. His curiosity about project decision-making led him back to NC State, where he earned an MBA with a biotech pharma concentration in 2007. This academic foundation paved the way for a dynamic career at BASF, where he began as a research scientist before moving into research management and global marketing. He now serves as the North American cotton and rice regional marketing manager for seeds and traits.

Among his many achievements, Mankin is the lead inventor of the Provisia® rice production system and spearheaded the limited release of Axant® Flex Cotton. 

He lives in Raleigh with his wife and three daughters, the eldest of whom is a first-year life science major at NC State.

Mankin advises students to evaluate new positions based on the opportunities they create, encouraging them to seek roles that offer flexibility and growth in their career paths.

John Thomas Brake was raised on a small family farm in Edgecombe County before attending NC State University. He graduated with highest honors in 1974 with bachelor’s degrees in poultry and animal science, before completing requirements for his Ph.D. in physiology in 1977. 

He joined the faculty of Auburn University in 1978 and then returned to NC State in 1981 as an assistant professor of poultry science. He was appointed a William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor in CALS in 2001 and served as professor of poultry science, physiology and nutrition for 37 years. He was director of graduate programs for the poultry science department from 2003-17. Awards received for his teaching and research include the university’s Outstanding Young Alumnus Award (1986), Sigma Xi Research Award (1986), Outstanding Undergraduate Teacher Award (1990), Outstanding Graduate Instructor Award (2002, 2003) and CALS Faculty and Student Organization Resource Development Award (2005). 

He was a member of numerous professional organizations, including the world and national Poultry Science Associations (PSA), Southern Poultry Science Society, NC Poultry Federation and American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists. PSA presented him the Broiler Research Award (1991) and the Merck Award for Achievement (1995) and named him a fellow in 2006.  

He held two patents and received numerous research grants. Brake lectured and consulted internationally, served on several editorial boards of scientific journals and published nearly 1,000 articles. In 2015, he received the university’s Global Engagement Award for his extensive international service activities and work with international students. He was a member of the NC State Alumni Association, Chancellor’s Circle, Wolfpack Club and NC State University Club.

Brake died unexpectedly at age 66 on July 31, 2018. His widow, Audrey Brake, and daughter, Alston Cobourn, have established the John Thomas Brake Memorial Poultry Science Graduate Endowment in his memory.

John Michael Scott is a lender with AgSouth Farm Credit in Graham, North Carolina, and is a native of Alamance County. Before working at Farm Credit, Scott attended Southern Alamance High School, where his passion for agriculture developed. He was actively involved with his FFA chapter, serving on chapter, federation and regional officer teams, and participating in multiple Career Development Events. After high school, Scott knew he wanted to continue developing his knowledge and passion for agriculture. 

Scott graduated in 2018 from the Agricultural Institute at NC State University with degrees in agribusiness management, field crops technology and general agriculture. While at NC State, Scott was actively involved with the AGI Ambassadors program and Collegiate FFA. In 2023, he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in agribusiness from the University of Mount Olive. His passion for advocacy goes beyond his day-to-day work with AgSouth Farm Credit.

Scott currently serves as chairman of the NC State Agricultural Institute advisory board and is a member of the Alamance County 4-H advisory board, Alamance County Extension advisory board and Southern Alamance FFA Alumni boosters organization. 

Scott also volunteers his time at the state and national levels for FFA, judging career and leadership development events. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family, fiancée, Courtney, and their two dogs, Charlie and Louie.

Scott advises students that “the agriculture industry is one big family; do not be afraid to ask questions and connect with your peers.”

Kali Beach, a dedicated educator and leader, serves as the director of career and technical education for Pitt County Schools. A native of Cove City, North Carolina, Beach holds both a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education (2012) and a master’s in agricultural education (2014) from NC State University. While pursuing the latter degree, she served as a graduate assistant in the Agricultural Institute. Her career began as an agricultural educator at Columbia High School in 2014. She later taught at Mattamuskeet Early College High School, contributing to the growth of National FFA Organization chapters and receiving the National FFA Organization Membership Growth Award during the 2017-18 school year.

In 2020, Beach took on the roles of curriculum and instructional management coordinator, career development coordinator and special populations coordinator, before adding the role of career and technical Education (CTE) director for Hyde County Schools. Her responsibilities included providing oversight of CTE Presentation of Learning training and state assessment testing, providing instructional support to CTE teachers, and teaching career development for grades five through 12.

Beach is actively involved in her community by serving on the Southern Pitt Ducks Unlimited chapter, volunteering with the Outer Banks Ducks Unlimited chapter and participating in the Core Sound Decoy Carvers Guild, East Carolina Adult Volleyball league and various events at Covenant Church. She is also a member of the North Carolina Association for Career & Technical Education and the Association for Career & Technical Education. During her free time you can find her traveling, spending time outdoors or sipping on an ice cold Pepsi. 

Beach advises students to build connections with a variety of teachers, emphasizing that this is where they will learn the most about teaching and leadership. She also encourages having compassion and grace for oneself and students, especially in the early years of teaching.

Harrison Walker, a native of Buffalo Junction, Virginia, is a dedicated legislative assistant in the Office of U.S. Senator Thom Tillis. In this role, he spearheads the senator’s legislative initiatives across a broad spectrum of policy areas, including agriculture, energy, environmental issues, natural resources, transportation and infrastructure. His deep-rooted passion for agriculture and public service traces back to his upbringing on his family’s seventh-generation tobacco farm.

Walker graduated magna cum laude with a B.S. in agricultural business management and a B.A. in political science, complemented by a minor in economics. His exemplary contributions to community engagement earned him the CALS Outstanding Senior Award. As president of Sigma Chi Fraternity, he demonstrated leadership and commitment to his peers.

Walker transitioned into a career in agriculture policy, which led him to Washington, D.C. Over the past five years, he has held various positions in Senator Tillis’ office, further honing his expertise in policy development. Alongside his full-time role, he is currently pursuing a law degree as a second-year evening student at the George Washington University Law School.

Walker’s dedication extends beyond his professional career; he serves on the board of directors for the NC State Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics’ Office of Student Mentoring, contributes to the North Carolina Nuclear Energy Industry Advisory Council and volunteers with LIFE Non-Profit, supporting underprivileged youth in Southside Virginia. 

Walker’s advice to students is to “remember that your life is part of a bigger plan. Don’t waste time worrying about having it all figured out because just when you think you do, there will always be a curveball thrown your way. Find what makes you happy and take pride in your work. The finer details will sort themselves out in due time.”

David Rosero was born in Quito, Ecuador, and began his academic journey in animal sciences at Zamorano University in Honduras, where he earned his bachelor’s degree. After graduating, he accepted a management position at Murphy Brown LLC, where he was responsible for supervising breeding and gestation at a 3,000-sow farm and implemented research trials. After two years in the industry, Rosero decided to further his education at NC State University’s Department of Animal Science, where he obtained his master’s in 2011 and Ph.D. in 2014 under the mentorship of Eric van Heugten. His doctoral research focused on the complexities of dietary lipids and essential fatty acids, specifically their impact on sow lifetime productivity.

From 2014 to 2023, Rosero served as the senior nutritionist and technical officer at The Hanor Company. In this role, he managed nutrition programs, research and innovation efforts, contributing significantly to the advancement of swine nutrition. In 2023, Rosero joined the Department of Animal Science at Iowa State University as an assistant professor, where he is building a robust research program that emphasizes swine nutrition and smart farming. His research aims to develop technologies that improve sow survivability and longevity. Rosero is also passionate about teaching and mentoring the next generation of professionals and currently teaches Swine Systems Management.

Rosero’s professional achievements have been recognized with the Emerging Scholar Award by the American Society of Animal Science and a Research Innovation Award by the National Pork Board. 

He advises students to “never stop being curious and open to learning new things” and to “embrace change as part of a dynamic and evolving career.”

Alysondria Eason, a licensed professional engineer, graduated from NC State University in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree with an environmental concentration from the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering. In 2012 she earned her master’s in engineering. She holds licensure in North Carolina, New York and Georgia and is currently working on receiving approvals from Washington and California.  

Growing up with a father in the Marine Corps, she was consistently moving from state to state and even lived in Okinawa, Japan, for four years. Now, after 18 years in one location, she considers Raleigh her hometown. 

Since 2013, Eason has been working with Hazen and Sawyer as a stormwater engineer and currently serves as Mid-Atlantic Practice Group leader, green infrastructure subject matter expert and one of Hazen’s lead engineers for overall stormwater improvements. Her expertise focuses on localized and area-wide planning, design, tracking, monitoring and implementation of stormwater controls. She has played a key role in Hazen’s stormwater management efforts throughout the United States, including prominent green infrastructure initiatives in New York City, Philadelphia, Washington,D.C. and Boston.

 In her free time, Eason stays busy chasing her very active 2-year-old daughter, gardening, supporting the Wolfpack and weightlifting with her husband and friends. 

Eason encourages students to “say yes to opportunities even if you are unsure. It may not work out, you might fail, but through those experiences, you will learn more than a book or class could ever teach you.”

Kelly L.F. Oten is an assistant professor and Extension specialist of forest health at NC State University, where she joined the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources faculty in 2020. She holds a Ph.D. in entomology from NC State, earned in 2011 with a minor in forestry. Her academic journey also includes degrees from Texas A&M University and the University of Tennessee.

Oten has made significant strides in forest health research and Extension, securing $2.9 million in grants to support her work. Her research focuses on understanding and mitigating the impacts of insects, the leading agents of tree mortality, a subject she has been passionate about since childhood. She has published 20 peer-reviewed articles and produced 42 Extension fact sheets, contributing to the broader scientific and public knowledge of forest health. Her outreach efforts include 81 presentations, 161 articles or blog posts and 69 media interviews, along with organizing and hosting 17 workshops centered on forest health.

Her dedication to Extension and engagement has earned her prestigious accolades, including the NC State University Outstanding Extension Award in 2023 and induction into the NC State University Academy of Outstanding Faculty in Extension and Engagement. She also received the North Carolina Urban Forest Council’s Outstanding Project Award in 2022 for her leadership of the Bradford Pear Bounty in North Carolina.

In addition to her academic and professional achievements, Oten serves as chair of the Town of Holly Springs’ Tree Advisory Committee and is a counselor on the Executive Committee of the Southern Forest Health Working Conference. 

Oten’s commitment to her field is driven by a lifelong curiosity and love for forest health, encouraging others to “stay curious and never stop learning.”

Nathalie Plundrich is the technology development manager at SinnovaTek, where she leads research, development and commercialization of innovative extraction and food ingredient technologies. Her work extends to SinnovaTek’s subsidiary, SinnoVita, where she is currently advancing the commercialization of VITERO™ protein-polyphenol functional ingredient technology, a project she was deeply involved with during her graduate studies at NC State University. 

In addition to her work with SinnoVita, Plundrich plays a key role in SinnovaTek’s R&D team, collaborating closely with clients to develop and commercialize new food and beverage products through the company’s co-packing arm, FirstWave Innovations.

Plundrich has an associate’s degree in biology/biotechnology and a bachelor’s degree in bio- and process technologies with a minor in biotechnology, both obtained in Germany. She later pursued her master’s degree and Ph.D. in food science at NC State University, where she contributed significantly to research in food science and technology.

Over the years, Plundrich has been an active member of the NC section of the Institute of Food Technologists (Dogwood IFT), serving as both a member-at-large and chair on the board of directors. She was also a member of Phi Tau Sigma, the honor society of food science and technology, and has contributed to the awards committee.

She has been recognized through several awards, including the Phi Tau Sigma Dr. Daryl B. Lund Student International Travel Scholarship, the Phi Tau Sigma – Dr. Gideon “Guy” Livingston Scholarship, and the Feeding Tomorrow IFT – Nutraceutical and Functional Foods Division Scholarship. Plundrich has successfully published 15 peer-reviewed journal articles, with seven as the first author. Plundrich advises students that “the food industry is a relatively small place. Network, network, network, and focus on gaining as much industry experience as possible in the first couple of years of your professional career.”

Jeb Fields completed his M.S. in horticultural science at NC State in 2013 in the Horticultural Substrates Laboratory under the supervision of Drs. Fonteno and Jackson. He later completed his Ph.D. at Virginia Tech. Fields is an associate professor at Louisiana State University (LSU) at the Hammond Research Station, where he holds responsibilities in Extension, research and administration. He is the director of the Hammond Trial Gardens and holds the Arlene and Joseph Meraux Endowed Professorship in Commercial Horticulture.

Fields has built a nationally recognized program in environmental nursery production, focusing on resource efficiency and leading many national efforts in soilless substrate science. He is the editor of the Nursery & Landscape Insider, a bi-weekly e-newsletter from Ball Publishing with a circulation of 32,000 stakeholders worldwide. In his six years at LSU, he has advised nine graduate students, published 27 referred publications and secured more than $6 million in external funds to support his program. 

Fields is active in professional organizations such as the American Society of Horticultural Science (ASHS), the International Society of Horticultural Science and the Louisiana Nursery & Landscape Association, where he serves as the director of research and education. His contributions to horticulture have earned him several prestigious awards, including the GPN Forty Under 40 in 2024, the ASHS Distinguished Achievement Award for Nursery Crops in 2023 and the Southern Region ASHS Hutchison Young Extension Faculty of the Year Award in 2023.

Fields grew up in Winter Haven, Florida where his family has operated tractor dealerships in central Florida since 1956. He spends his free time with his family and welcomed a baby girl, Autumn, in 2024.

His advice to students is to pursue their passions with dedication, believing that if you love what you do and put in the effort, success will follow.

Annette Bodenheimer is a principal scientist at Pfizer, where she applies her expertise in biochemistry to optimize vaccine production. Originally from Fairfax Station, Virginia, Bodenheimer holds bachelor’s degrees in biochemistry and chemistry (both earned in 2009) and a Ph.D. in biochemistry from NC State University (2016). During her graduate studies, she gained extensive experience in protein expression and purification, small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering experiments, and high-resolution X-ray crystallography.

At Pfizer, Bodenheimer has led vaccine optimization projects that significantly enhanced yields and streamlined manufacturing processes by reducing the time required. Her published work on the structural characterization of multi-domain cellulose-degrading enzymes has contributed to the broader understanding of these complex systems.

Beyond her professional achievements, Bodenheimer is actively involved in Pfizer’s community outreach initiatives, demonstrating her commitment to making a positive impact both inside and outside the lab. In her free time, she enjoys Olympic weightlifting and baking.

Bodenheimer is a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).

Her advice to students is that “knowing your ‘why’ enables you to proceed forward during difficult moments and answer the tough questions.”

Danny Losito is the director of Sports Fields and Grounds for the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC, where he oversees the playing fields at Bank of America Stadium and Atrium Health Performance Park. A native of Cary, North Carolina, Losito earned his bachelor’s degree in turfgrass science from NC State University in 2014. His career spans Minor League Baseball, Major League Baseball, the NCAA and the NFL, and he has contributed to the NFL Grounds Crew for three Super Bowls and three NFL International Games.

Losito’s journey to his current role included stops with the San Diego Padres, the Reno Aces and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, where he contributed to iconic events, including the Super Bowl. His mentors at NC State, including Distinguished Professor Grady Miller, Professor Emeritus Art Bruneau and 2002 alumnus Jimmy Simpson, helped shape his career outlook, instilling in him the importance of mastering his craft, pursuing skills over money and remaining flexible.

Losito is a Certified Sports Field Manager and serves on the NC-SFMA Board of Directors. Outside of work, Losito enjoys ice hockey, swimming and live music. He is dedicated to community service and sharing his expertise with aspiring turf managers. 

In addition to his role with the Panthers and Charlotte FC, he is passionate about mentoring the next generation of turf professionals, frequently hosting students from across the country to work on field painting and conversion projects at Bank of America Stadium. His advice for students pursuing a career in turf management is to “be patient, master your craft and enjoy the art, science and rewards of your labor.”

Eric Mayer is the CEO of New Day Diagnostics, a fully integrated diagnostics company specializing in cancer, infectious disease, digestive disease and women’s health. With more than a decade of experience in the biotech industry, Mayer has been instrumental in merging EDP Biotech Corporation with New Day Diagnostics LLC, to enhance their product development and commercialization capabilities. He also led the acquisition of Epigenomics AG’s assets, advancing the commercialization of ColoPlex®, a novel diagnostic blood test for early detection of colorectal cancer.

Serving as CEO since 2015, Mayer has directed business development and played a key role in product innovation. His previous experience includes more than a decade in start-up biotech involvement, leading business development at BioPet Vet Lab and contributing to the development of veterinary diagnostics at AAD Inc. He has also worked with prominent biopharma companies like Metabolon Inc. and Cirrus Pharmaceuticals. 

Mayer’s contributions to the field have earned him recognition, including being featured in Entrepreneur magazine in 2012 and winning the Innostars Biomedicine award in 2018 and Inno865 award in 2019. He has been published in numerous publications related to cancer diagnostics, chronic disease and infectious disease.

A native of Raleigh, Mayer holds a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from UNC-Chapel Hill and dual master’s degrees in microbial biotechnology and business administration from NC State University. He is an active board member of LifeScience Tennessee and the Knox Jewish Alliance.

Mayer’s advice to students is to seek opportunities beyond the coasts, emphasizing the potential for growth in less traditional biotech hubs.

Olivia Wedegaertner, originally from Raleigh, is the U.S. turkey account manager at Zoetis, the world’s largest animal health company. She earned her bachelor’s degree in animal science (2016), master’s in nutrition (2019) and Ph.D. in animal and poultry science (2021) all from NC State University. Wedegaertner also holds an MBA graduate certificate in technology entrepreneurship and commercialization.

Joining Zoetis in April 2022, Wedegaertner quickly excelled in her role, achieving more than 140% of her budget in her first year and earning a spot in the prestigious President’s Circle. As Zoetis’ sole account manager for the turkey industry, she engages with nearly every turkey producer across the country. Her work involves monitoring flock health, advising on best practices, organizing product research trials, and maintaining strong relationships with turkey veterinarians and nutritionists.

As part of her professional responsibilities, Wedegaertner is an active member of the Poultry Science Association, the American Association of Avian Pathologists and the Association of Veterinarians in Turkey Production. 

Outside of work, she  enjoys spending time boating, gardening and adventuring outdoors with her fiancée and dogs. Additionally, she has competed nationally in cowboy mounted shooting for more than 13 years.

Wedegaertner’s advice to students is to always ask questions, keep learning and build a strong network. She encourages them to embrace new opportunities with confidence and curiosity, as the industry is incredibly welcoming to those eager to learn.