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In Their Own Words: CALS First-Generation Students

Department of Plant and Microbial Biology

a woman wearing a white lab coat sits in front of a computer making a wolfy hand sign

Mar 28, 2025

I Am CALS: Giuliana Mendoza

Plant biology major Giuliana Mendoza hopes to grow her lifelong interest in plants into a career dedicated to addressing food insecurity. 
a corn research field at sunset

Mar 6, 2025

Optimizing Corn Production for Greater Efficiency

CALS researchers are digging in to find a way to grow corn that uses less fertilizer, aiming to save farmers time and money while also reducing nitrogen waste in the environment. 
a women stands outside next to a sign that says syngenta

Jan 22, 2025

A Growing Passion for Improving Crops

As a doctoral student in plant biology, Anne-Marie Pullen envisions a career in the agricultural industry to improve crop resilience against environmental stressors. 
Young woman in red top and shorts in front of butterfly painting

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. 
Mika Chabeda in cap and gown

May 1, 2024

Forward Thinking

NC State graduate Mika’el Chabeda’s vision for the future is firmly planted in agroecology and plant biology. 
One man and three women smiling in front of red, white and black balloons

Apr 29, 2024

A Night of Recognition

Sixteen undergraduate and graduate students from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences were recognized for their outstanding scholarship, leadership, research and community outreach during the inaugural 2024 CALS Awards. 
lotus roots

Apr 8, 2024

Giving Symbiosis Back to the Brassicas

Heike Sederoff and her team are trying to understanding the symbiotic relationship between certain plants and the fungi and bacteria in the soil so they might some day return that lost relationship to the brassicas. 
NC State Memorial Belltower in the fall

Feb 23, 2024

William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professors Announced

Twelve professors in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences were recently named William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professors. 
a woman wearing graduation regalia with two men and a woman

Nov 6, 2023

In Their Own Words: CALS First-Generation Faculty and Staff

In recognition of First-Generation Celebration Week, Nov. 6-10, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is recognizing some of its faculty and staff members who were first-generation college students. 
Three young woman posing in front of a red patterned wall

Nov 6, 2023

In Their Own Words: CALS First-Generation Students

In honor of First Generation Celebration Week, CALS recognizes the diversity within the first-generation community and explores how their experiences contribute to the university's richness.