Students Networked, Competed, and Earned National Leadership Positions

Twenty Alabama A&M University students represented the university at the 40th Annual Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS) Training Conference and Career Expo last month in Dallas, where they presented research, competed in academic events and connected with industry leaders from across the country.

Students attending the conference were members of the Morrison Chapter of MANRRS and Agriculture and Family and Consumer Sciences (AgriFCS) Academy scholars. MANRRS is a national organization dedicated to increasing the representation of underrepresented groups in agriculture, natural resources and related sciences. Alabama A&M students have participated in the national conference for the past eight years. This year’s conference theme, “Leadership to Legacy,” celebrated four decades of excellence in agriculture, food sciences and natural resources.

Students participated in poster, oral presentation, speech and photography competitions, showcasing research spanning food science, plant and soil science, family and consumer sciences and agricultural innovation.

Kristian Gooden, a senior food science major from Birmingham, Alabama, earned second place in the Impromptu Speech Competition, while several students presented graduate-level research projects addressing food safety, soil health, sustainability and consumer behavior.

Among the presenters were Lauryn Strong, a graduate student in food safety and processing from Atlanta, who presented research evaluating the survival and growth of Salmonella on treated cucumbers; Maria Martinez, a graduate student in food science from Dallas, who presented research examining processing methods and antioxidant capacity in tiger nuts; and Chidinma Njoku, a graduate student in plant and soil science from Ossissa, Nigeria, who participated in the Three Minute Thesis competition with a presentation exploring whether microbial biopolymers can help soil retain water.

Additional presentations included Emmanuel Oko of Afikpo, Nigeria, who presented research on microbial biopolymers and soil water storage; Alexis-Marie Parrish, a graduate student in apparel, merchandising and design from Clarksville, Tennessee, who delivered an oral presentation examining student attitudes toward upcycling and shopping habits; and Taylor-Nicole Tate, a junior food science major from Orlando, Florida, who presented research on hydrocolloids and 3D-printed plant-based chicken products.

Several Alabama A&M students also earned national leadership recognition during the conference.

Karyn Rose, a graduate student in food science from Dallas, was elected MANRRS Region III National Graduate vice president, Taylor-Nicole Tate was elected Region III National Undergraduate vice president and Ruth Fennell, a graduate student in food science from Miami, was recognized for her service as National Graduate president for the Society of MANRRS.

Students said the conference provided opportunities to network, gain professional experience and explore careers in agriculture and related sciences.

“What I loved most about the MANRRS Conference was the contagious energy and shared dedication to the future of agriculture,” Martinez said. “It was an eye-opening experience that showed me just how vast this field is and gave me a clear vision for how I can shape my career within it.”

Charquenta Dishmon, a graduate student in family and consumer sciences from Bastrop, Texas, said the experience reinforced the importance of community and representation within the field.

“I enjoyed the community that MANRRS continues to build,” Dishmon said. “Going to the national conference opened my eyes to the many opportunities in agriculture.”

Students were accompanied by Armitra Jackson-Davis, associate professor of food microbiology and MANRRS Morrison Chapter co-adviser, and Lenese Vaughner, AgriFCS Academy project manager.

Several students also shared plans to continue their education following graduation. Stephane Jean Noel and Chidinma Njoku said they plan to pursue doctoral degrees at Alabama A&M, while Martinez plans to apply for research and development positions in industry.

Students attending the conference included Lauryn Strong of Atlanta; Maria Martinez and Karyn Rose of Dallas; Charquenta Dishmon of Bastrop, Texas; Paige Martin of Los Angeles; Chidinma Njoku of Ossissa, Nigeria; Emmanuel Oko of Afikpo, Nigeria; Alexis-Marie Parrish of Clarksville, Tennessee; Philip Bwalya and Stephane Jean Noel of Huntsville, Alabama; Faith Wamble of the Bay Area, California; Ruth Fennell of Miami; Taylor-Nicole Tate of Orlando, Florida; PkeRaven Turner and Corenz Waiters of Mobile; Emille White of St. Louis; Kaleb Jackson of Detroit; Jaidin Wells of Talladega, Alabama; Tamaya Bradley of Memphis; and Alyssa Hale of Livingston, Alabama.

For Taylor-Nicole Tate, the conference reinforced the importance of leadership and connection within the agriculture industry.

“I learned that I can be a leader and make a difference in every role I’m in,” said Tate. “Building those connections and representing Alabama A&M at a conference like MANRRS is something that will stay with me long after graduation.”

Front row, from left, are Chidinma Njoku, Karyn Rose, Maria Martinez, Alexis-Marie Parrish, Taylor-Nicole Tate, Lauryn Strong, Faith Wamble and Armitra Jackson-Davis. Back row, from left, are Emmanuel Oko, Philip Bwalya, Stephane Jean Noel, Charquenta Dishmon, PkeRaven Turner, Kaleb Jackson, Emille White and Ruth Fennell.