Allison R. Rice  

arr5689@psu.edu | (272) 231-5471| Linkedin 

EDUCATION  

M.S. in Agricultural and Environmental Plant Science (Weed Science)  

The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA                                       Expected Graduation: 2027 

Advisor: Dr. Carolyn Lowry Thesis: Effects of perennial forages on the weed seedbank and Canada thistle             

B.S in Plant Science (Horticulture)                                                               GPA: 3.7 

The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA                                    Graduated: May 2023 

PUBLICATIONS, AUTHORSHIP, CREDIT 

The effects of cover crop communities on weed seed viability. Poster. A. Rice, C. Lowry, E. Rice. 

Seed seedbank dynamics in diverse perennial and cover crop systems​. Kara Eckert's M.S. research, credited for viability testing.

Evidence for the potential of sorghum root exudates to reduce germination in common waterhemp and giant foxtail (Paper by Shiran Ben Zeev et al., credited for performing viability and writing methods section) PENDING  

AWARDS 

• Undergraduate Research Award ($1,500), Penn State (2022)  

• Ready to Succeed Scholarship, Penn State (2022) 

• Frederick H. Brown Endowed Scholarship in Floriculture, Penn State (2021)  

• PA Floral Industry Trustee Scholarship, Penn State (2020)  

• FFA Keystone Degree (2019)  

• 1st Place FFA State Proficiency in Greenhouse Production (2019)  

• 1st in Regional Environmental Public Speaking (2019)  

• Borlaug Scholar, Penn State (2018)  

• 1st Place Individual FFA State Winner for Floriculture CDE (2018)  

RESEARCH & WRITING EXPERIENCE  

Weed Ecology Lab Technician                           April 2024-July 2025 

Dr. Carolyn Lowry’s Laboratory 

Penn State, University Park, PA 

• Collected plant biomass, soil cores, roots, and seeds based on set protocol  

• Explored correlations between cover crop management and weed communities via sample processing.   

• Assisted in writing academic papers.  

• Trained and advised undergraduates on lab tasks and techniques.   

• Developed viability testing protocols. 

• Studied weed seedling ID & development.  

• Organized, managed, and collected data for a major seedbank study. 

Field Technician II                                           August 2023-January 2024 

Microbac Laboratories, Harrisburg, PA   

• Coordinated deliveries to ensure water quality and food testing were performed.             

• Consulted with clients to develop a cost-effective solution for their environmental concerns.  

• Analyzed nitrogen, pH, temperature, and bacteria in potable and non-potable water. 

Weed Ecology Research Associate                                                       March 2022-August 2022 

Dr. Carolyn Lowry’s Laboratory 

Penn State, University Park, PA 

• Performed viability testing on five different types of weed species. 

• Secured funding via the Undergraduate Research Award  

• Evaluated the impacts of weed seed communities by creating viability models. 

• Crafted a research poster based on viability testing performed. 

Published Plant Science Author (Seasonal)                               May 2021-August 2021   

CTI Media, remote   

• Composed articles about plants, planting methods, design, benefits and other horticulture topics.  

• Analyzed resources to compose factual articles and images for audiences.  

• Created appealing content with a smooth writing style to effectively reach and resonate with varied audiences. 

Teaching Assistant (Intro to Horticulture)                   August 2020-March 2022   

Penn State, University Park, PA   

• Graded exams and discussions, held office hours, and engaged with students to enhance understanding.  

• Graded students fairly and proactively supported those underperforming by offering assistance via email or office hours.  

INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE  

Flower Technician                                        January 2024-April 2024 

PA Options for Wellness, Duncannon, PA 

• Exceeded in meeting daily goals related to skirting, defoliating, and harvesting cannabis. 

• Evaluated the impacts of various growing methods to develop more cost-effective practices.

Garden Center Associate                                 May 2022-August 2022   

Shaffer Landscapes, Middleburg, PA   

• Assisted customers with finding plants for various landscape sizes and management practices. 

• Created daily and weekly checklists to encourage worker productivity. 

Grower Intern                                          May 2021-August 2021   

Green Circle Growers, Oberlin, Ohio   

• Facilitated with the growing of thousands of ornamentals, houseplants, orchids, and propagations.  

• Operated industrial equipment such as irrigation booms and PRIVA systems 

• Encouraged synergy to achieve a common goal via an optimistic attitude.  

• Forged an example through a commitment to excellence in each facility by being timely, always asking questions, and applying knowledge to real-life situations.

Content Creator  

AdWave Inc., remote                                                         December 2020-May 2024   

• Authored galleries on topics such as world history, modern pop culture, and American culture.  

• Practiced time management by tracking work hours to complete the gallery during the scheduled time.

Produce Packager                                May 2020-August 2020   

BrightFarms, Selinsgrove, PA   

• Executed food processing and safety practices with hydroponic lettuce production.  

• Boosted daily profits by exceeding daily packing goals 

SKILLS 

Lab: seed viability testing, soil coring, root washing/picking, operating grinding mills, biomass collection, data entry & analysis, writing protocols 

Personal: critical thinking, emotional intelligence, creativity, thrives under pressure, digital publishing 

SELF-PUBLICATIONS 

Garden Thoughts (2020), Writings from Within (2019), Harvest of Horrors (2019), Plantopia: A Guide to The Grooviest Plants (2019).     

REFERENCES 

Dr. Carolyn Lowry 

Assistant Professor of Weed Science at Penn State University, PA  cvl5836@psu.edu 

Dr. Jonathan Lynch  

Distinguished Professor at Penn State University, PA jpl4@psu.edu 

Dr. Elsa Sánchez 

Professor of Horticultural Systems Management at Penn State University, PA ess11@psu.edu