Kelsey Jandreau

The drive and passion I have is ignited by the world need on improvement in agricultural systems. Agriculture is the core of feeding us worldwide, in addition to the supporting role it plays in our ecosystem. In my job path, I hope to innovate agriculture for a better future. In my job path I also put forth as much effort in impacting world hunger for the better; whether it be starting a more efficient world-wide program or simply donating what I can grow to local shelters. Another great problem I see in the industry and work to improve is abuse and misuse of pesticides. I feel there must be a better solution when evaluating IPM, while pesticides are gaining global traction and are the leading mode of action around the world. This negatively affects non-targeted organisms, offsetting the environment, when not used properly. This could be detrimental to us and our endangered species. Another sad commonality I’d like to change in agricultural comedies is that poisonous residual residue is found and approved for consumption. In my opinion, the FDA could control these substances to a safer degree for both humans and animals. If biological control agents were more easily accessed and affordable, they could effectively replace pesticides with less danger posed to both parties. Finally, I really feel there is more recycling that can be done to reduce waste. Composting could become more assessable, acceptable and affordable for the public, providing fertilizers and food in crops. The use of water, pots, plastics could drastically be reduced if I were able to come up with a more sustainable system for these problems. With further knowledge on agricultural practices through my studies, I feel I can greatly improve, reflecting on both my personal and professional goals.

I plan to continue my education by entering a master's program for molecular biology. Denver University has been number one on my list of options to continue my education. This will open many other doors for testing agricultural comedies for these hazardous residues. A great example for this in modern-day time would be those who lab test marijuana to determine if it was ethically produced for consumption. This field is in need of more innovations and advancements and I dream to be on the frontlines of testing our agricultural resources to ensure they were produced and are sold ethically to the consumer.

Gardening was given to me second-hand from my grandmothers. I felt such a sense of responsibility for a little kid, caring for this unmoving organism. With age and maturity, friends still tell me I have a green thumb. Gardening is something that slows me down, bringing a content feeling of responsibility for something other than myself. Taking this time to show up every day for the plants is my favorite hobby. I landed my first real job growing in 2016 and have not changed career paths since. Cultivating a warehouse operation is a swift change from houseplants. Finding efficient methods and keeping organization brings you long ways in this industry; this attracted me to the job as those are some of my favorite work tasks. Soon my small hobby became my life, researching different species, pests, environments and bio controls. Learning more through the hands on experience the industry now, leads me into a future with these factors for what I want to improve on in the future. Such as, reducing use of pesticides in IPM, therefore in the environment. 

When I need a break from dirt, I love to take my dogs into the mountains for adventures. Whether it be backpacking, kayaking, camping or all three. The entirety of my youth I was a cheerleader, while I do not flip anymore I still do stretches and am very active in my local yoga community.