Dela Cerna, Chloe
What brought you to UGA? I was drawn to UGA because of its heavy involvement with extension and outreach. I wanted an environment where I could see how my work has broader impacts, and I appreciated that UGA had many opportunities for me to get involved in science outreach and communication. I knew that UGA was a leading school for ag research, but I also admired UGA for fostering an environment that allows graduate students to develop their professional skills beyond what can be taught in the lab and classroom.
What are your research/study interests? I am interested in understanding the ecological role that fungal endophytes play in forage crops, and how we can harness their benefits for use in tall fescue breeding, specifically. I enjoy learning about all things related to plants, animals, and fungi; and I love that my research project is all about the relationship between the three.
What has been a benefit of being part of IPS? / How did it help you select your program? Being a part of IPS allowed me to sample the environments of three very different plant departments here at UGA. This experience helped me to navigate finding a department I felt fit me best; and I was able to establish many meaningful connections with different faculty members and students across the departments within IPS that helped me find my footing as a new graduate student and made UGA feel more like home.
What are your career goals? My dream career would be something in science outreach or communication.
Who is your major professor? Dr. Ali Missaoui