Jada is a student in the Department of Crop Sciences, and a member of the Crop Sciences Student Ambassador Program. Read more about Jada in the Q&A below.

Crop Sciences: Can you share your name and a little bit about yourself?

Hi! My name is Jada Davis, and I am from Homer, Illinois, a small town just 25 minutes outside of Champaign-Urbana. I am a freshman in Crop Sciences with a concentration in Crop Agribusiness.

Crop Sciences: Why did you pick the Department of Crop Sciences as your program of study?

I chose Crop Sciences from watching my dad work in the seed industry. From lots of impromptu job shadows with him, I found that I loved the balance of being in the office part of the time but also being in the field in the summer. I knew from my involvement in my high school’s FFA Chapter that I wanted to pursue agriculture and that I loved the crop side of the industry. Based on these two things combined I found my home in ACES Crop Science.

Crop Sciences: What is your favorite part of being a student in Crop Sciences?

The best part of Crop Sciences is how much the faculty and your professors want you to succeed and be involved. The professors want you to come work with them in their research labs. They want you to email them and ask questions. The faculty wants to see you involved in Field and Furrow Club, Horticulture Club, and other RSOs. The support you get as a Crop Science student is huge.

Crop Sciences: What do you do outside of the classroom for fun or professional development?

Outside of classes I work as an undergraduate research assistant in one of the Crop Sciences Research labs. I am also involved in Sigma Alpha Professional Agriculture Sorority. For fun, you can probably find me playing volleyball on the quad or making a Dunkin’ coffee run.

Crop Sciences: What do you hope to do after you graduate?

As of now, my plan is to pursue a career as a field agronomist for a seed company after I graduate. Throughout my time in ACES, I hope to continue my involvement in undergraduate research and pursue summer internships to gain experiences to help guide my career decision.

Crop Sciences: What is one thing that you want people to know about Crop Sciences, the College of ACES, or the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign?

There is nothing like being an Illini. Growing up in a family of alumni, I heard all the time how amazing UIUC is but I did not realize how great it is until I stepped onto campus as a freshman. It is a HUGE campus that has a Midwest small town feel. There are so many opportunities for you to get involved as a student; opportunities for fun and ones that set you up for a life of success. There is so much pride that comes in being an Illini, pride that you would not have anywhere else.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Undergraduate Programs in Crop Sciences, you can email ugrad@cropsciences.illinois.edu. If you’re interested in scheduling a time to talk with a Crop Sciences representative, sign up here.