Member Spotlight: Fernanda Souza Krupek, Graduate Research Assistant and ASA, CSSA, and SSSA Member

 

What project are you currently working on that excites you the most?

My PhD projects focus on integrating soil health on-farm research and outreach in Nebraska.

As I approach the completion of my program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, I am working on a social science research project aimed to increase understanding of farmers’ soil health beliefs, informational networks, and communication. What excites me the most in this project is the opportunity to learn how farmers, scientists, policymakers, and outreach and Extension personnel can be part of synergistic partnership. These groups prioritize conservation technologies in agriculture, with emphasis on soil health approaches that meet both agricultural sustainability and production goals.

What is the best piece of career advice you’ve received?

 “Your network is your net worth”. We need to invest in relationships and strong human connections, because every person and every interaction matters.  

Do you have a mentor that has helped you in your professional career? How have they helped you?

My career has been enhanced greatly by mentors, in particular Dr. Andrea Basche, Dr. Martha Mamo, and Dr. Dianne Rowland. They are all aspirational examples of women leaders in STEM who have changed the way I think about what is possible.  

As a woman, what is a challenge/obstacle you have faced in your career?

From an early age, I was fortunate that I was received with open arms by everyone I have encountered here in the United States (US) in both academic and non-academic settings. The outcome of all of this is my unwavering commitment to personally work to foster diverse, equitable, inclusive, and welcoming environments for everyone. Being from Brazil by birth but multicultural by choice, it is my great joy and responsibility to build environments that receive and promote the growth of all its participants.

What does Women’s History Month mean to you? How does it fall into the context of your industry?

Women’s History Month means an opportunity to advocate for positive changes in a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming work environment. This also means opportunities to celebrate those who have paved the way for enhanced retention, representation, and recognition of women in agricultural sciences.