Hi! I’m Shelton Manning Jr. (he/him), but feel free to call me Shell. I’m originally from Dallas, Texas, and currently a first-year Agribusiness major at South Carolina State University. Funny enough, I didn’t originally plan on going to college. I had my mind set on pursuing real estate right out of high school. However, when I visited the SCSU campus, something just clicked. I fell in love with the environment, the people, and the opportunities within the agricultural field, and that decision ended up being one of the best I’ve ever made. Since starting college, I’ve become increasingly passionate about sustainable agriculture, especially the importance of soil health and understanding different soil types across various regions. It’s opened my eyes to how essential agriculture is to our future, and I’m excited to learn and grow in this field. Furthermore, I love food! Being from the South, I truly believe food is one of the few things that can connect everyone, no matter where you’re from. 

Outside of academics, I enjoy working out, exploring new places, and just staying active overall. I also really value being someone others can count on. I genuinely enjoy helping anyone and everyone whenever I can. Whether it’s offering support, sharing advice, or simply being a good listener, it means a lot to be able to give back in any way. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to travel to Minnesota this summer. I found out about the SOAR-REEU program through my advisor in the 1890 Research and Extension department, and I’m really looking forward to gaining hands-on research experience and connecting with everyone in the cohort. I absolutely can’t wait!

Hi! My name is Gaokalia Vang (she/her), and I’m from Cottage Grove, Minnesota. I’m currently a third-year Biology student at Concordia University, St. Paul. While biology is a broad field, I’ve found myself especially drawn to genetics, molecular biology, and biochemistry—these areas truly spark my curiosity and passion for scientific discovery. In my free time, I enjoy fishing, playing music, going on walks, and spending quality time with my friends and family. I first learned about the SOAR-REEU program from a professor I worked with as a TA this past fall semester, who was also a Ph.D. student in the Applied Plant Science program at the time. I’m excited about the opportunity to gain hands-on research experience, connect with others who share similar interests, and continue growing both academically and personally through this program.

Hello! My name is Beverly Morgan (she/her) and I am from Ohio. I go to school near Cleveland, Ohio at Baldwin Wallace University where I am a Biology major. I am very interested in crop science, and I hope to pursue that in the future. I enjoy working at my university's greenhouse, running, and hiking. I am very excited to start SOAR-REEU as I am interested in learning more about sustainable agriculture and I cannot wait to work with the wonderful people in this program!

Greetings everyone! I am Ty Watkins, and I’m from Washington, D.C. I’m a senior at Virginia State University, where I’m excited to graduate and focus on Horticulture Science after starting my studies in Agricultural Business and Economics. This shift reflects my growing passion for sustainability, food equity, and finding ways to provide healthier living opportunities for underserved communities.

I’m also the founder of Loves Me Most, a ministry and business that helps people grow through self-love, self-care, and healing inside and out. I believe in the power of nurturing both our physical health and our inner selves. It’s about creating balance, caring for our minds, bodies, and spirits, and advocating for access to healthier options for all.

In my free time, I find joy in pouring into others, whether it’s through cheerleading, mentoring in the classroom, or advocating for mental health. There’s nothing like seeing growth happen in those around me. When I’m not working on my business or studying, you can find me journaling, podcasting, or simply connecting with people on their own journeys of self-growth.

I learned about the SOAR program through an opportunity email from my advisor, and I’m excited to connect with my cohorts, participate in field research, and explore sustainable food systems. I’m super excited to see how food systems work, and how they impact communities and how I can use what I learn to make a real difference for those in need.!

Hi All! My name is Layla Stenson, and I am from South St. Paul, Minnesota. I am a student at Hamline University pursuing a BS in Biology with a Concentration in Ecology, along with a blended minor in Math and Data Visualization. I aspire to become an ecological engineer. I am interested in the uses of plants for soil remediation and in striking a balance between plant productivity and biodiversity to shift our current model of agriculture. I am so excited to be part of the SOAR-REEU program, as I can’t wait to start digging into the science that inspires me and others! I hope to ground my commitment to science in improving public health outcomes for all. I enjoy painting and gardening in my free time with my younger sister and my puppy, Bambi. I learned about the program through my mentor this past winter and applied immediately, as it has all the markings of my dream program.