Anne Frances Jarrell

In her own words ...

Where are you from, and why did you choose to study at UGA CAES?
I am from Charlotte, North Carolina. I chose to study at UGA CAES because I knew that UGA's Institute of Plant Breeding, Genetics, and Genomics is highly regarded and has a great track record for job placement out of grad school.

Tell us about your thesis/dissertation research.
For my dissertation, I work on several different projects that are all centered around advancing potato genomics. These projects include work on wild potato species, neglected market traits in cultivated varieties, and creating genomic resources that breeders can use to breed better, more resilient potatoes. 

Who is your major professor?
Dr. Robin Buell

Why did you choose your major(s)?
I originally chose my major because I love plants and I love science, and this is the perfect combination! I also wanted to do something that would make a positive impact on society, such as breeding resilient crops for the future of sustainable agriculture.

What is your favorite class you have taken?
PBGG 8010

Who has been your favorite instructor?
Dr. Jason Wallace

What has been the best experience you've had so far at CAES?
Some of my favorite experiences so far have been at the annual IPBGG department retreats. I love learning about interesting new science from invited speakers as well as getting caught up to date with the fascinating research going on right here at UGA across the institute. My other favorite part about those retreats is socializing in person with the Griffon and Tifton graduate students that I normally only get to see over zoom. 

What do you want to do with what you have learned here?
I want to find a job as a scientist in the fruit and vegetable breeding industry, where I hope to make an impact creating tastier, more nutritious, disease-resistant, and climate-resilient varieties of our favorite foods. 

How has your experience at UGA changed you?
I have grown so much as a scientist, a communicator, and as a professional in the workplace. I have also learned a lot from my peers, many of whom are international students who I would never have gotten to meet otherwise and who have enriched my time here so much. In true Dawg fashion, I have also developed a newfound love of football.

Thinking of the word agriculture - what does agriculture mean to you? In what ways does agriculture impact your life and your culture?
Agriculture is the backbone of modern society and it is how we achieve the increasingly difficult feat of feeding, clothing, and fueling the world. In this way, it is hard to overstate the impact that agriculture has on my life and my culture. Growing up in the city, I didn't think much about how there were farmers, breeders, agronomists, and more to thank every time I ate a meal. However, as a Southerner I was no stranger to how good food can bring people together. I am grateful now for the chance to appreciate all the folks that make good food possible, and for the chance to make my own contributions to the world of agriculture. 

What do you like to do outside of class — hobbies, interests, secret talents?
Outside of class, I love to hike, spend time in nature, try new recipes, and listen to music. I am also an avid musician myself; you may find me playing banjo around Athens with a group of other bluegrass musicians.