Chengxu (Gary) Liu

Year in School: Senior

Crop Sciences Major: Natural Resources & Environmental Science and Crop Sciences (Agroecology)

Why did you pick the Department of Crop Sciences as your program of study?
I have been interested in environmental studies since a young age. There are numerous environmental issues, such as pollution and non-renewable energy use. Later, I discovered that agriculture is part of the ecosystem, and environmental issues also pose a huge threat to agroecology. Crop production and food safety are primary concerns around the world. In this way, I added Crop Sciences as my second major during my sophomore year to explore how to integrate environmental remediation into agroecosystem.

Marie Shaffer

Year in School: Junior

Crop Sciences Major: Plant Biotechnology

What is your favorite part of being a student in Crop Sciences?
I was nervous about attending such a large university, fearing that I wouldn’t form any connections with my classmates or have classes that just a TA didn’t teach. The Crop Science department provided a small school feel with all the big school benefits. I’ve met amazing friends through the various courses I’ve taken and have great relationships with professors that are a part of the department. Crop Sciences is a very close-knit department that emphasizes making each student feel like they matter.

Amy Gomez

Crop Sciences Major: Agroecology

What is one thing that you want people to know about Crop Sciences, the College of ACES, or the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign?
The class sizes are one of the best parts. They're a perfect size and provide a great opportunity for getting to know others with similar interests.

Elizabeth De LaTorre

Crop Sciences Major: Plant Biotechnology

What is one thing you want people to know about Crop Sciences, the College of ACES (Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences), or the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign?
The College of ACES is an amazing college that is so friendly and here to help you succeed. The Crop Science department has amazing helpful professors who want to see you succeed.

Stuart Seputro

Crop Sciences Major: Plant Biotechnology and Actuarial Science

What is your favorite part of being a student in the Department of Crop Sciences?
I love almost every aspect that Crop Sciences has to offer. It has a great advisor (Erika Olivares is really dedicated to helping her students), world-renowned faculty (who offer a wide range of research opportunities), and, last but not least, supportive classmates.

Jada Davis

Crop Sciences Major: Crop Sciences with a Crop Agribusiness concentration

Why did you pick the Department of Crop Sciences as your program of study?
My family's ties to agriculture's crop side initially sparked my interest. But, knowing that I wanted to work alongside growers to advance their operations was the deciding point.

Brighid Zelko

Crop Sciences Major: Crop Sciences with a concentration in Plant Biotechnology and Molecular Biology

What is one thing you want people to know about Crop Sciences, the College of ACES, or the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign?
Even though the campus seems very large, once you are in your individual college it feels very small and like a large family. Also, don’t be afraid to reach out to your peers or professors; everyone is here to help.