Chloe De la Cerna

In her own words ...

Where are you from, and why did you choose to study at UGA CAES?
I was born and raised in Tifton, GA; so thanks to the UGA Tifton satellite campus, I've been exposed to UGA CAES my entire life. However, it wasn't until I started my undergraduate degree at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College that I discovered my passion for agriculture and crop science. I knew I wanted to pursue grad school but wanted to gain more experience working in research, so I ended up finishing my undergrad degree at UGA Athens, where I was able to gain experience working in several different labs across the plant sciences. I chose to stay at UGA for my graduate degree because I knew how well-respected UGA CAES is nationwide in regards to ag research, especially with the research being done within the Institute of Plant Breeding, Genetics & Genomics. 

Tell us about your thesis/dissertation research.
I work with a genus of fungi called Epichloe (Yes, it is funny that we share the same name). These fungi are naturally found growing within the cells of the tall fescue plant, a common forage grass, and the two form a symbiotic relationship with each other. My thesis research involves analyzing metabolite variances in different strains of Epichloe and conducting a series of applied studies to evaluate their potential in tall fescue breeding. 

Who is your major professor?
Dr. Ali Missaoui

Why did you choose your major(s)?
I was drawn to forages specifically, because I am fascinated by the relationship between plants and animals. I fell in love with the Epichloe project because of how interdisciplinary it is. While I would say I most closely identify with being a plant geneticist, I've been able to dip my toes in to the world of fungal biology, plant pathology, entomology, and biochemistry; and I love that this project challenges me by always forcing me to learn something new. I was drawn to forages specifically, because I am fascinated by the relationship between plants and animals. I fell in love with the Epichloe project because of how interdisciplinary it is. While I would say I most closely identify with being a plant geneticist, I've been able to dip my toes in to the world of fungal biology, plant pathology, entomology, and biochemistry; and I love that this project challenges me by always forcing me to learn something new.

What is your favorite class you have taken?
PATH 6200/L - Mycology

Who has been your favorite instructor?
Dr. Donglin Zhang

What has been the best experience you've had so far at the college?
I had the opportunity to serve as the graduate student coordinator for the Crop Genetics and Genomics REEU, a summer research fellowship offered at UGA for undergraduates to gain experience working in various plant science research labs. Being a rural student myself, I am very familiar with the barriers of entry into science, and I appreciate the efforts UGA CAES takes to make science accessible. I am passionate about mentoring and science outreach, and it was so rewarding to work with these students 1 this summer and see how much they learned in 9 weeks! 

What do you want to do with what you have learned here?
I want to find a job that revolves around science communication, whether that is through teaching, extension, or another avenue of science outreach!. 

How has your experience at UGA changed you?
Working with so many incredible scientists at UGA has enabled me to really develop my own confidence as a scientist. Also, getting involved with the many science outreach opportunities offered here at UGA has allowed me to realize how much I thrive on communicating my science to others, and watching them learn something new.

Thinking of the word agriculture - what does agriculture mean to you? In what ways does agriculture impact your life and your culture?
So there's the obvious answer of agriculture is the world around us... it's the clothes we wear, the food we eat, etc. However, I also like to see agriculture as a form of art. It's the way that we, as humans, accept the Earth's gifts for us and create beautiful pieces of art that bring us together as a species. Whether that art is the salad I made with vegetables from my garden to share with my friends, or the roof of my family home made from the wood of many pine trees; I believe that nature provides us with the brush and canvas, and it is our responsibility to create art - that's what agriculture is to me! 

What do you like to do outside of class — hobbies, interests, secret talents?
I enjoy doing anything that involves spending time outside and staying active, and I love that Athens provides the perfect environment for that. Some of my favorite things to do in my free time are cooking, gardening, doing yoga, and exploring nature trails! I love traveling and try to have at least one trip planned a month. I have a couple random secret talents: I have a black belt in taekwondo and I like to dabble in woodworking!