Brendan Noons, a master’s degree student in the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, enjoys the outdoors. When he is not hiking with his dogs or foraging for wild ramps or mushrooms, he is likely at the College’s research farm, where he is currently studying soil amendments, materials that modify the soil structure to absorb or retain water and nutrients more efficiently. Here is what he said in an interview.
Where did you study as an undergraduate?
I graduated from the University of Rhode Island, but I spent two years at the University of Hawaii at Manoa as a part of the National Student Exchange program.
What was your major?
My major was biological sciences with a focus on plant science.
Why did you decide to go to graduate school?
I had always thought about going back to school, but I wanted some practical work experience first. I got to work with USDA and Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management and had a lot of great experiences. After working for about six years after getting my undergraduate degree, it was clear in order to get the career I wanted I would need a graduate degree. I also found that I had a lot to learn in the field of plant science.
