Quinn Leggett
Honolulu
Summary
My experience growing sugarcane at Kō Hana Farms has enabled me to get boots on the ground experience in agriculture. As part of the farm crew I am involved in land preparation, planting, harvesting, and field maintenance. This entails being an effective communicator with the rest of the farm crew, operating heavy machinery, and following protocol for the given tasks. The additional work I did as a lab assistant at the Indigenous Cropping Systems Lab allowed me to apply and manage my own undergraduate research funding towards a project (through the Undergrad Research Opportunities Program at University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa). My project was on nitrogen fixation in sugarcane, for the purpose of building more sustainable management plans for the crop. My passion for sustainable farm practices was continued into the Fall of 2024 during a Directed Studies project with GoFarm, in which I managed, sampled, and built compost piles for the Waimānalo location.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Compost Lead
Gofarm Hawaii
08.2024 - Current
- Managed composting operations, including daily monitoring of the process, logging data measurements and maintenance.
- Inspected incoming loads of organic materials prior to acceptance into the farm's inventory system.
- Maintained accurate records of all activities related to compost production, including daily logs, reports and inventories.
Farmer
Kō Hana Farms
10.2022 - Current
- Executed an integrated pest management strategy using physical, cultural and chemical methods.
- Set up and operated heavy farm machinery and equipment to till soil, plant, and harvest crops.
- Established effective communication between crew members throughout daily operations.
- Demonstrated proficiency in operating farm equipment such as tractors, combines, and irrigation systems.
- Hand harvested sugarcane by machete, with a team of 8 people, for processing 500-1000 gallons.
Lab Assistant
Indigenous Cropping Systems Lab
06.2023 - 08.2024
- Completed supportive activities in the operation of the lab, including prepping samples and related daily maintenance.
- Monitored inventory levels of laboratory supplies, identified shortages, and ordered replacements when needed.
- Spent ample time in the field collecting samples for lab analysis
- Coordinated with sugarcane farmers and growers to retrieve samples for the lab.
- Adhered to all safety protocols in each laboratory area.
- Prepared, stored, and transferred samples for testing.
- Maintained accurate records and documentation of laboratory activities and results.
- Utilized software programs such as Excel and JMP to store data.
- Assisted researchers with ongoing experiments and projects, contributing to research goals.
UROP Recipient
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
01.2024 - 05.2024
- Admitted into the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program.
- Managed and budgeted research funds toward a project on nitrogen fixation associated with sugarcane, and how that process can help create more sustainable nutrient management plans for the crop.
- I traveled across the island of Hawaiʻi, building a network among sugarcane growers to retrieve samples for the lab.
- I analyzed the samples through gas chromatography, obtaining experience with a gas chromatography machine and sample prep
Assistant Manager
Rip Curl
08.2018 - 02.2020
- Supervised day-to-day operations to meet performance, quality and service expectations.
- Maintained a clean, safe, and organized store environment to enhance the customer experience.
- Developed strong working relationships with staff, fostering a positive work environment.
- Monitored cash intake and deposit records, increasing accuracy, and reducing discrepancies.
Intern - Volunteer
Lifesong Orphanage
05.2019 - 08.2019
- Lived in Haiti for three months during the summer of 2019 as a volunteer for Lifesong.
- Organized and distributed donations, mostly shoes and clothing.
- Coached a soccer summer camp for the village.
- Mowed, weeded, and completed grounds landscaping tasks.
- Assisted in planting activities for the farm onsite.
- Led volunteer groups from the U.S. in projects for the community.
- Led a summer camp focused on teaching local young kids how to swim.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Tropical Agriculture: Plant Production& Management
University of Hawaii At Manoa
Honolulu, HI12-2024
High School Diploma -
Santa Fe Christian High School
Solana Beach, CA06-2018
Skills
- Harvesting operations
- Farm operations management
- Sustainable agriculture
- Safety procedures
- Grounds maintenance
- Farm machinery operation
- Multitasking Abilities
- Laboratory techniques
- Sample preparation
- Documentation and reporting
- Workflow coordination
- Time management
Timeline
Compost Lead
Gofarm Hawaii
08.2024 - Current
UROP Recipient
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
01.2024 - 05.2024
Lab Assistant
Indigenous Cropping Systems Lab
06.2023 - 08.2024
Farmer
Kō Hana Farms
10.2022 - Current
Intern - Volunteer
Lifesong Orphanage
05.2019 - 08.2019
Assistant Manager
Rip Curl
08.2018 - 02.2020
Bachelor of Science - Tropical Agriculture: Plant Production& Management
University of Hawaii At Manoa
High School Diploma -
Santa Fe Christian High School
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