Claire Byrnes
I have been involved with the Student Farm Club since my first semester. As a club member, I remember visiting the farm for Harvest Fest in the fall, and volunteering for the annual Plant Sale in the spring. After serving on the leadership team for two years, I have learned about grant writing, building student-centered relationships, and advocacy. We are all involved in food systems through purchasing and eating food, and I care about nurturing sustainable systems grounded in equity and justice. One of my favorite memories with the Student Farm is visiting Philadelphia to volunteer at urban gardens and learn more about the community food systems. After graduation, I will be working for the College of Liberal Arts, and then moving back to Philly to pursue a service year position in environmental education and outreach.
Sarah Bett
I have interned with the Student Farm since 2020. I have also been involved with the Student a farm Club since my sophomore year of college. Being involved with both aspects of the farm has significantly impacted my college experience and my post-graduation plans. Before the farm, I did not have an appreciation for where my food comes from or the work that goes into it. Now, as I am about to graduate, I can reflect back on my student farm experiences and I realize just how much it has influenced my life. Between the people I have met, the experiences we have shared, and the farm we have all come to love so much, I know that the farm will stay with me even after I have left Penn State. Going into environmental work for my career, I will carry with me all the lessons I have learned throughout my time here. I could not be more grateful!
Cole Connolly
The Student Farm Club has been the most enjoyable part of my studies at PSU, giving me the opportunity for me to learn and fail in a safe environment. I mostly became involved with the SFC hydroponic greenhouse where we grew veggies and leafy greens without the need for soil. As a team, we were able to cultivate and sell this produce to the dining commons on campus, letting other students enjoy the literal fruits of our labor! I loved how the SFC was able to support any endeavor I had planned, to develop or discuss new hydroponic designs for implementation on the farm. My favorite memory was being able to grow unique crops like the toothache plant and share the experience of eating it with other students interested in hydroponic production. After graduation I am attending University of Hawaii at Manoa for a Masters of Science degree in tropical plant pathology, where I will research diseases related to tropical fruit crops. I’m so thankful for the experience and friends I made along the way at SFC and will carry my green thumb into the future!
Erin McDermott
Ben Rudnik
Elka Hoelsken
I am graduating with a B.S. in Environmental Resource Management and a minor in Water/Watershed Resources. I specialized in soil sciences as well which I was able to apply as I worked on the farm. I started as an intern on the farm last year. I gained valuable knowledge about sustainable agricultural practices and organic farming. This spring I researched seed saving, organized the Garden Grow-How event and the Bucket Gardens project with the local Meals on Wheels. After graduation, I am moving to Seattle, Washington then Portland, Oregon. I will be working as an Environmental and Safety Specialist on navy ships for a welding company. I’m excited to experience the west coast after living in PA my entire life!