Elise Lankford

Hello! My name is Elise Lankford, and I just completed my junior year at Loyola University Maryland, where I’m majoring in Data Science and minoring in Mathematics. I’m also part of an Accelerated Master’s Program and will earn my M.S. in Data Science one year after finishing my undergraduate degree. I’m originally from Trappe, a small town in Talbot County on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. My long-term goal is to use data analytics to support, give back and improve my community.

For the past two summers, I spent about six weeks each year in the Midwest installing soil probes that collect data on water moisture and salinity. This summer, I’m excited to continue on that path through my internship with UME. I’ll be working at the Wye Research and Education Center with mentors Kurt Vollmer, Weed Management Specialist, and Nicole Fiorellino, Agronomy Specialist. I’ll contribute to a variety of projects involving agronomic crop production, vegetable trials, and weed management. I’m especially looking forward to the opportunity to work hands-on in the field while also applying my data science background to analyze and interpret real-world agricultural data.

Although I’m not an agriculture major, agriculture has always been part of my life. I grew up spending time outdoors and was active in 4-H from elementary school through high school as a member of the Green Clovers 4-H Club. That experience introduced me to UME and sparked a long-standing respect for its role in supporting Maryland communities. This internship allows me to reconnect with the agricultural roots of my hometown while building professional skills that align with my academic path. I see it as a bridge between my personal interests and professional ambitions. Not only will I gain valuable experience in agricultural research, but I’ll also be contributing to work that directly impacts the region I call home.

I’m excited to see where this experience leads and grateful for the chance to give back to my community while growing as a data scientist. Whether I’m collecting field data, analyzing results, or learning from the expertise of my mentors, I know this summer will play an important role in shaping my future.

Top Image: Me on an irrigation tower in Holdrege, NE

Bottom Image: Me in a sunflower field in Trappe, MD