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A Future on the Fairway

Author: Staff

A woman wearing glasses and a lab coat smiling while holding a petri dish.

May 26, 2026

Breeding Possibilities for Better Crops

Driven by a strong work ethic, Caitlin Kestell, a doctoral student in crop science, pursues genome editing and biotechnology to advance crop improvement and inspire young scientists. 
a young woman and young man holding award plaques stand with a taller old man in front of a gray brick wall

May 19, 2026

Curiosity Guides 2026 Keller Award Winners

Doctoral graduates Anna Yaschenko and Junjian Wang knew early on that genetics would be part of their future. In NC State labs, their innovative research earned them recognition as the 2026 recipients of the Kenneth R. Keller Research Award. 
Mike Walden, CALS ARE Extension

May 15, 2026

You Decide: Is the U.S. Energy Independent?        

NC State economist Mike Walden explains the challenges in filling U.S. fuel needs from domestic supplies versus imported oil. 
a woman with long dark brown hair stands in front of a gray cloth backdrop wearing a red graduation cap and gown

May 13, 2026

Cultivating a Bright Future

Inspired by the values of community and environmental stewardship she learned as a member of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, Stella Hardin hopes to use the skills she gained as an agricultural science major to make an impact that honors her roots. 
A woman wearing glasses and a lavender jacket holding a phone smiles at the camera through the branches of a bush.

May 11, 2026

Ripe for the Picking

Jing Zang, a horticultural science professor and N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative faculty affiliate, is working with blueberry growers to develop a more precise way to determine the best time to harvest, using computer vision and AI. 
A young woman smiling, holding a stethoscope to a small black and white dog's chest, in front of a campus building's staircase.

May 6, 2026

Nurturing a Future in Animal Science

Driven by a love for animals and people, animal science major Alexia Alexander has stayed focused on reaching her goals at NC State while building momentum for a career in veterinary medicine. 
Mike Walden, CALS ARE Extension

May 1, 2026

You Decide: Why Are Trailer Parks Disappearing?         

Economist Mike Walden examines one factor contributing to the housing affordability crisis: less land dedicated to trailer parks. Is there a way to keep mobile home ownership as an important part of affordable living? 
a young woman with shoulder length light brown hair wears a red graduation gown and a golden stoll

Apr 30, 2026

Hatching a Career in Food Animal Medicine

Senior Deana Poteat, a double major in animal science and poultry science, will take the next step in her career this fall as a Food Animal Scholar with NC State's College of Veterinary Medicine. 
a woman with long dark hair wearing a red shirt that says NC State Wolfpack standing in front of a gray and red brick building with marble steps

Apr 29, 2026

Thomas Jefferson Scholars: Finding Value in Intentional Community

As a double major in biochemistry and political science, Pooja Narasimhan will graduate in May with a broad skillset and the confidence to find her place in the world thanks to support through NC State’s Thomas Jefferson Scholars program. 
a man wearing a dark blue baseball cap, red shirt and tan shorts waters grass on a golf course

Apr 27, 2026

A Future on the Fairway

Leveraging his education in the classroom with hands-on skills learned through multiple internships, turfgrass science major Ty High is teed up for a successful career managing golf course greens.