Category: Undergraduate Research Scholars

Animal science major Karla Branch has stacked an impressive resume since enrolling in the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences in 2021. Collegiate, state, and national awards, public speaking engagements across the country, and an amassed knowledge on swine science. But these achievements came together through a common goal since freshman year: growth.

A former pre-med major turned food science student, Undergraduate Research Scholar Alyssa Simon is tackling the best way to replace — and prepare — a popular imitation fish with a product that provides the same good taste but better benefits to the consumer and the environment.

Second-generation Aggie Kevin Battle Jr. is on the hunt to see how fish waste can positively impact soil-free plants and save farmers money along the way.

For Hayla Scott, the Undergraduate Research Scholars Program offered a two-pronged opportunity: to expand her knowledge of veterinary science and to step out of her comfort zone.

Durham native Eden Harris traveled through Greensboro many times in her youth and enrolled at N.C. A&T because of family connections: Her mother, speech pathologist Rolesha Andrews Harris, is an Aggie alum.

Animal science major Madison Petersen cares about animals and sees how supporting their health and autonomy can better help humans. In her two experiments as an Undergraduate Research Scholar, she tried to improve dairy cows’ health – and learned the value of being flexible in her research.

Makenzie Harrison had plans to travel a straight path to veterinary school when she enrolled in the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences’ animal science program in 2021. But, during her four years as an undergraduate, her attention shifted, thanks in part to the Undergraduate Research Scholar Program and a unique breed of sheep.

Agricultural education major Ja’Quan Battle wants to help small-scale North Carolina farmers facing economic challenges. Overcoming challenges is something the 2024 graduate understands well; he is an overcomer himself.

Graduate student Erika Pearsall wants to make a long-term impact on the dairy industry. Her studies in bovine reproduction as an Undergraduate Research Scholar, in the Department of Animal Sciences, aim to help both people and cattle in the long-term. 

Winston-Salem native Sierra Franco wants to save our renewable resources. Climate resilience, minimizing our carbon footprint, and finding solutions to make drinking water safer are her passions, as well as her academic and career goals.

Jordan Washington faced a critical turning point during his freshman year at a university in Florida. He viewed college as an investment in his future, and he wasn’t reaping the returns he’d expected.

Shortly after Christopher Carter started his freshman year at N.C. A&T, he walked into Roberta Claro da Silva’s office to meet the professor and express an interest in working with her.