Ava Barnes
West Lafayette
Summary
I am a Master's student in the Department of Botany and Plant Pathology at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. My graduate research topic focuses on a critical protein produced by a global plant pathogen, aiming to build a foundation for future genetic resistance in vulnerable host crops. Before my graduate studies, I earned a Bachelor of Science in Plant Science with research focuses in the molecular biology of plant reproduction. Simultaneously, I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Law and Society, where I gained an invaluable education about classic theory, modern inequity, and the criminal justice system. These degrees represent my well-rounded interests in the intersection between people, technology, and the planet. After finishing my M.Sc., I hope to attend law school and specialize in Intellectual Property Law surrounding agricultural and biological technologies. In this career path, I hope to find a synergy between my love of the scientific process, my belief in the importance of innovation, and my dedication to serving others to the best of my ability.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
Work History
Intern
Inari Agriculture
06.2025 - 12.2025
- Assisted Inari Agriculture with maintenance, promotion, and organization of demo trials for investors and visiting scholars.
- Independently managed a project to enhance organizational efficiency with novel labeling systems and improved information tracking.
- Cross-trained with the Track and Trace initiative to integrate external intellectual property with internal research and product development.
- Shadowed team members across the organization to learn about crop development from the field to the research floor and beyond.
Intern
Purdue Research Foundation Office of Technology Commercialization
06.2024 - 12.2025
- Supported the process of converting new intellectual property generated by Purdue University researchers into marketable and licensable products.
- Gained experience evaluating and synthesizing information on a broad range of intellectual property categories at different phases of development.
- Generated market reports to aid licensing agents when pursuing potential licensees for Purdue technologies.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Purdue University, Boavida Lab
06.2024 - 05.2025
- Investigated the role of an understudied pollen membrane protein in the process of plant reproduction.
- Gained experience in basic sterile technique, plant growth and management, lab organization, and scientific communication.
- Specialized in the growth, care, and research of Arabidopsis thaliana.
Education
Associate of Arts -
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO01-2021
Bachelor of Arts - Law and Society
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN05-2025
Bachelor of Science - Plant Science
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN05-2025
Master of Science - Plant Science
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN05-2027
Skills
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Basic Lab Skills
- Molecular Biology Techniques
- Data organization
- Scientific Communication
Timeline
Intern
Inari Agriculture
06.2025 - 12.2025
Intern
Purdue Research Foundation Office of Technology Commercialization
06.2024 - 12.2025
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Purdue University, Boavida Lab
06.2024 - 05.2025
Associate of Arts -
Colorado State University
Bachelor of Arts - Law and Society
Purdue University
Bachelor of Science - Plant Science
Purdue University
Master of Science - Plant Science
Purdue University
Awards and Honors
- University of Florida travel grant and invitation to speak, January 2025
- Purdue Graduate Student Government Travel Grant, Summer 2026
- EMBRIO Travel Grant, Summer 2026
Community Involvement
- FoodFinders Food Pantry, Fresh Market Volunteer
- Lilly Nature Center, Docent
- Agriculture Future of America
- Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society
- Alpha Zeta Agriculture Honor Society
- Transfer Student Mentor, College of Ag, August 2024 - December 2025
Scientific Presentations
- Purdue University Undergraduate Research Symposium, Summer 2024
- Purdue University Undergraduate Research Symposium, Fall 2024
- Purdue University Undergraduate Research Symposium, Spring 2025 (TALK)
- Purdue University Botany and Plant Pathology Departmental Research Symposium, Fall 2024
- University of Florida Annual Plant Science Symposium, January 2025 (TALK)
- Purdue University Botany and Plant Pathology Departmental Research Symposium, Fall 2025
- American Society of Plant Biologists Midwest Section Conference, April 2025
- American Society of Plant Biologists Annual Conference, July 2026
Test Scores
- SAT 1570
- ACT 36
- LSAT 171