Rylee Brown

    I recently had the opportunity to tour the University of Maryland’s College Park campus, and it was such an eye-opening experience. We got to see the University’s research labs and hands-on learning spaces. The whole day really opened my eyes to the possibilities of research within the classroom. I also was able to think differently about leadership, too

    One of our first stops was the university’s greenhouse, where we saw a wide variety of crops being grown and studied. What stood out the most was their winter wheat research. They had grown chambers full of wheat, and it was amazing to see how many varieties they were testing and the level of detail in their work. Next, we toured the aquaponics lab, which was filled with working systems where fish and plants grow together in a closed-loop system. Students were running some really creative research projects, and we even got to check out mobile aquaponics setups that could be used for education or small-scale production. It really showed how innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand. After that we saw Maryland University's brand-new fermentation program. It was really cool to see how students that are going to be working with fermentation have so many resources and avenues to study. Another highlight was visiting the Water Quality Outreach and Wellness lab. We actually got to test water from drinking fountains around the building. It was a fun, hands-on way to learn more about environmental science and public health. From there, we explored the Campus Garden, which I loved because students are so involved in running it. The same goes for the Campus Farm, where students get real experience with small-scale animal production right on campus.

    Besides all the amazing tours, we also had leadership workshops with Antonio Silas from the UME Baltimore City office and Myles Alexander from the Maryland Leadership Education and Development Program. Their sessions were super engaging and helped me think differently about what it means to be a leader. I learned how important it is to know my own values and to respect the values of others. We also talked about different leadership styles, and I found myself connecting most with servant leadership. I like the idea of leading by supporting others, encouraging growth, and working alongside people instead of just directing them. One thing I’m going to focus on during my internship is being a better listener. It sounds simple, but really tuning in to what others are saying and making sure they feel heard can make a huge difference in how we lead and work together. One of my favorite parts of the campus visit was the luncheon. It was so great to meet so many faculty invested in student education and research. Their passion for helping students become impactful professionals is very clear. 

    Overall, this trip left me feeling inspired, motivated, and more confident in the kind of leader I want to be. The passion from faculty, the innovation in research, and the hands-on learning happening at UMD reminded me why I love agriculture and education. I’m excited to take what I learned and put it into action as I continue to make professional choices in the agricultural field.

This photo is of the wheat that was being grown in the research chambers of the UMD Greenhouse. These chambers ensure a controlled environment for researchers.

This photo is of the UMD Aquaponics system, outside of the greenhouse. There are a variety of fish and lettuce being grown here.

This is a photo of a mobile system that the Aquaponics department design and produced from a recycled refrigerator. 

This photo is of the University's new fermentation lab, where students will explore various types of fermentation using this equipment. 

This photo is of the campus's community garden that is managed by the students. There are a variety of crops that are being grown for consumption and ornamental/environmental use.