Brighid Zelko is a student in the Department of Crop Sciences, and a member of the Crop Sciences Student Ambassador Program. Read more about Chengxu in the Q&A below.

What is your major?
Crop Sciences with a concentration in Plant Biotechnology and Molecular Biology

Where are you from?
Minooka, Illinois

Why did you pick the Department of Crop Sciences?
I picked the crop sciences department because it allows you to do research early into your college career.

What do you do for fun outside academics?
Outside of academics and research, I am very involved with Illini Pride and a Baritone in the Marching Illini. I also run my own “Brighid’s Bees” business, where I raise bees and sell their honey.

What do you plan to do after you graduate?
After I graduate, I plan to go to grad school and pursue a Ph.D. in Crop Physiology or entomology.

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.