Caitlin McCann

In her own words ...

Where are you from, and why did you choose to study at UGA CAES?
I am from Chicago. I chose CAES because I like plants and I want to work in a field (lol) that offers interesting challenges and a chance to be outside.

Tell us about your thesis/dissertation research.
I am studying peach population genetics. Peaches were originally domesticated in China, but getting new germplasm from China can be difficult. We want to improve US peach genetic diversity, so we are looking for the next best place to get germplasm. We think Australia is a good option, because they have peaches that came directly from China during a gold rush in the 1850s. So my project is to compare the genetic diversity of these feral Australian peaches with that of Chinese, European, and American populations. If Australian peaches are as diverse as Chinese ones, we can use them in future breeding efforts in the US. 

Who is your major professor?
Dr. Dario Chavez

Why did you choose your major(s)?
Once again, because I like plants. I wanted to be able to work with plants and people, and this seemed like a good avenue for that.

What is your favorite class you have taken?
FANR 8200

Who has been your favorite instructor?
Scott Merkle

What has been the best experience you've had so far at the college?
I have really enjoyed meeting the other students in my cohort. They are all so cool and it's great that we have a lot of the same interests. 

What do you want to do with what you have learned here?
I want to get a lucrative job in a field that I am interested in (and maybe help avert a food crisis through research). 

How has your experience at UGA changed you?
I feel more competant than I was when I arrived. The most important skill in grad school is learning how to learn. There is so much new information, just staying on top of it is an accomplishment.

Thinking of the word agriculture - what does agriculture mean to you? In what ways does agriculture impact your life and your culture?
Agriculture is everything that goes into creating crops for people to eat, from basic research to the people harvesting to crops. It's important because it is part of everything - what we eat, how we eat it, how we share are food and when we get it. We are less beholden to the seasons than we used to be. I can get strawberries in the middle of winter. But the ebb and flow of agriculture still influences us every day. 

What do you like to do outside of class — hobbies, interests, secret talents?
I like baking, crochet, and hiking with friends. I also like to collect seeds.