Earlier this semester, The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) announced its 23 recipients of the Distinguished Senior Award. The Distinguished Senior Award honors top graduating seniors on the Ohio State Columbus campus who exemplify the CFAES mission in areas such as academics and scholarship, research and innovation, service and involvement, and influence and leadership.
In the Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering (FABE), four students were selected. We sat down with Ashley Bergman, an agricultural engineering major from Yorkshire, Ohio, to hear about how she found FABE, her experience in the department, and her plans for after graduation!
Why did you choose FABE?
I grew up in a very rural area on a grain farm, and my active involvement in 4-H and FFA helped me decide that I wanted to pursue a degree and a career in agriculture. I also took a basic drafting and AutoCAD course my senior year of high school which I enjoyed. I discovered that I could combine my passion for agriculture with my engineering mindset, and when I found out that Ohio State offered the Food, Agricultural, and Biological Engineering major, it became a perfect match for me.
What has your undergraduate experience been like?
Aside from my early years when classes were on Zoom due to COVID-19, overall I've had a really great hands-on experience in the FABE department. I've enjoyed working with equipment during labs, going on tours and visiting industry partners on and off campus, and learning by doing. The FABE department has a lot of talented and knowledgeable people (both faculty and students), and it's been fun getting to learn and grow alongside them.
How are you involved on campus?
I've been an active member of the Ohio State Crops and Soils Club for four years, and I've previously served as the club's President, Vice President, and Philanthropy Chair. I am also a member of the Agricultural Systems Management Club and previously served as the Service Chair. Lastly, I've been a part of the CFAES Ambassador Team for two years.
What are your hobbies/interests outside the classroom?
Outside of the classroom, I like to do pretty much anything outdoors. I enjoy hanging out with friends, reading, playing piano, and working with my dad on the farm. I also started helping my boyfriend raise Angus beef cattle recently which has been a fun pursuit.
What advice do you have for undergraduates in FABE?
Learn more about the things you're interested in, but also challenge yourself to try something new. You never know when a new experience or someone you meet will help open doors for your future! Take advantage of opportunities to get involved, especially in clubs. This is a great way to network, meet friends, and get the chance to travel cheaply! Be sure to make friends and build connections while in college because your peers at OSU are going to be your fellow industry leaders one day.
What are your plans for after graduation?
After graduation, I'll be moving back home to Midwest Ohio and begin working full-time for Mercer Landmark as an Associate Crop Production Advisor. In this role, I'll be working directly with customers to provide them products and services in the realms of seed, nutrients, crop protection, and precision agriculture. I will be able to apply my engineering skills to agronomic practices in order to help farmers and producers make their operations more efficient, sustainable, cost-effective, and higher yielding.
Congratulations to 2024 CFAES Distinguished Senior Ashley Bergman! We wish you luck as you take the next steps in your career.