Name: Marjorie Hanneman
Hometown: Milwaukee, WI
Majors and Graduation Date: Agronomy and Genetics, May 2021
Favorite ISU classes: AGRON 281 Crop Physiology with Dr. Heaton, GEN 410 Analytical Genetics with Dr. Peterson, and AGRON 496A Crops and Soils of Costa Rica with Dr. Burras
Job Title & Company/Organization/School: PhD Candidate, Plant Breeding and Genetics, Cornell University
Major Job/Position Responsibilities: As a PhD Candidate, my primary responsibilities are advancing my research and completing my dissertation. I manage three projects, the first involving genetic mapping of vitamin B3 in maize. This encompasses molecular lab work, quantitative genetics, CRISPR, and both field and greenhouse experiments to detect gene(s) controlling the bioavailability of vitamin B3. My second project focuses on validating the feasibility of low-cost handheld near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to predict grain quality traits in sorghum. I evaluate different NIRS devices and use machine learning to develop prediction models for traits such as starch content, protein, and fat content. We are deploying these affordable tools to breeding programs globally where traditional phenotyping methods are inaccessible. I also conduct workshops to train scientists to utilize this technology. Lastly, I am writing a social science scoping review on the grain preferences of women in different regions worldwide, specifically focusing on sorghum.
What do you like most about your job/position? What I love most about my position is the variety and breadth of topics I study. I work across different fields such as molecular genetics, statistics, social science, and nutrition. Each day brings something new, and I’m always excited to continue growing in different areas. I also appreciate how applied my research is to humans and international agriculture. The opportunity to travel, share my science, and see its direct impact is incredibly rewarding.
What advice would you give to current students pursuing a career in Agriculture and Life Sciences? My advice to current students would be to try different aspects of your field. While at Iowa State, I had the opportunity to work in gene editing, plant pathology, seed science, traditional breeding, and molecular genetics. These experiences allowed me to discover what I truly wanted to focus on. By trying out various research labs and internships, I gained clarity on the types of projects I enjoyed and those I didn’t. These experiences helped me confidently and effectively communicate my interests when applying to graduate school. What I greatly appreciate about Iowa State is the abundance of opportunities for undergraduates to engage in research, connect with industry, and explore diverse areas. Take advantage of this unique stage in your life to try new things and find where your passion is.