Shonna Smith
302 Highland Park Ln, Wylie,TX
Summary
Seeking a challenging position in agricultural policy and extension research and advocacy where I can utilize my expertise in agricultural sciences to drive impactful change. Dedicated to addressing food insecurity, health disparities, and promoting sustainable food systems through innovative policy solutions. Eager to contribute to a team committed to advancing public health and equitable access to nutritious food
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Graduate Research Associate
The Ohio State University
08.2022 - Current
- Analyze and collect data to observe the genomic diversity of Listeria monocytogenes from dairy and poultry farms in Northeast Ohio, to understand the pathogen’s transmission dynamics in diverse agricultural settings.
- Reviewed literature pertinent to ongoing projects regularly, maintaining an up-to-date knowledge base that informed future experimentation directions.
- Streamlined data analysis processes for improved efficiency and accuracy in research findings.
- Presented research findings at conferences and symposia, promoting the exchange of knowledge within the scientific community.
- Developed strong working relationships with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, enhancing team communication and effectiveness.
2023-2024 National MANRRS Region II Graduate Student Vice President
Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, Related Sciences
05.2023 - Current
- Advocate for ethnic minorities from high school to professionals in agricultural sciences and related fields positively
- Directed regional activities for graduate student members, facilitating communication, presiding over meetings, and serving as a spokesperson for MANRRS, while also leading efforts to recruit and retain members in Region II.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement, fostering innovation and driving sustainable growth across the organization.
- Cultivated strong relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, vendors, regulators, and community leaders to promote collaboration and long-term success.
Peer to Peer Liasion
Aramark - Southern University
08.2021 - 04.2022
- Served as a liaison between students and campus dining, actively addressing students' food-related concerns
- Advocate for change in campus dining options: discussions on food quality concerns and actively participated in meetings focused on enhancing the variety and healthiness of available food options in campus dining.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by swiftly addressing concerns and providing solutions to various issues.
- Contributed to the successful execution of company-wide initiatives through diligent tracking of project milestones and deliverables.
- Supported organizational growth through active participation in networking events.
Summer Research Intern
Summer Research Opportunities Program, Pennsylvania State University
06.2021 - 07.2021
- A six-week research program designed to interest talented undergraduate students from underrepresented groups
- Conducted lab research in molecular virology and presented findings at the closing SROP symposium.
- Demonstrated adaptability by quickly learning new techniques as required for specific projects or tasks.
- Presented research findings at the end-of-summer symposium, effectively communicating complex concepts to non-scientific audience members.
- Participated in professional development opportunities such as workshops and seminars to stay current on industry trends and best practices.
Summer Intern
University of Florida
06.2020 - 07.2020
- Participated in workshops examining U.S Healthcare industry and public policy, health disparity causes, and solutions
- Conducted a case study on health inequities and disparities solutions.
- Enhanced project efficiency by streamlining communication and task delegation among team members.
- Participated in weekly meetings with mentors and colleagues, sharing insights from various learning experiences throughout the internship program.
Lab Animal Attendant
University of North Texas Health Science Center
06.2019 - 08.2019
- A summer internship spent working with Laboratory Animal Care Technicians and Veterinarian.
- Maintained equipment and facility to keep animal care environment and tools in good working order.
- Cleaned animal enclosures maintain clean living spaces for pets and prevent spread of disease.
- Maintained safety protocols when handling animals to minimize risk of injury to both staff members and animals themselves.
- Assisted veterinarians with medical procedures to ensure proper treatment for injured or ill animals.
- Documented observations of animal behavior and physical condition to track health and progress.
Summer Research Participant
Southern University and A&M College, BAYOU Program
- An agricultural experiential learning summer program at Southern University with the opportunity to conduct research primarily focused on soil dilution, tissue culture, and plant extraction
- Animal collection of blood and fecal samples
- Presented research findings to university administrators during the closing ceremony.
Education
Master of Science - Animal Science
The Ohio State University
Columbus, OH05.2024
Bachelor of Science - Agricultural Sciences with a concentration in Animal Science
Southern University and A&M College
Baton Rouge, LA05.2022
Skills
- Leadership
- Adaptive Learner
- Conflict Resolution
- Critical Thinker
- Reliable
- Collaborative
- Advocacy
- Scientific Writing
- Customer Service
- Event Networking
Awards
- Dean’s List: 2018-2022
- Southern University Presidential Fellows Program 2021-2022
- Dolores Margaret Richard Spikes Honors College Student
- Southern University College of Agricultural, Family and Consumer Sciences Spring 2022 Chief Student Marshall (Highest GPA of Graduating Class)
- 2022 NASDA/MANRRS Agricultural Policy Summit Fellow. Participated in numerous workshops such as Farm Bill Past, Present, and Future, The Journey to a New Way: Why We Need Diverse Policy Leaders, Demystifying Advocacy and Empowering Advocates
Community Service
- 01/2020-Present, Greater Than Expectations, Inc., Remote, Volunteer: Educating youth from the foster care system and equipping them with the essential tools necessary to transform their lives. Helped orchestrate activities that encourage youth to push for the next level and achieve whatever goals they set their sights on. Worked in clothing closet and scholarship committee for foster kids
- 04/2021-Present, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Columbus, OH, Member: An organization of college-educated women committed to the constructive development of its members and to public service with a primary focus on the Black community. Implement programs of the Sorority based on the organization’s Five-Point Programmatic Thrust: Economic Development, Educational Development, International Awareness and Involvement, Physical and Mental Health and Political Awareness and Involvement.
- 01/2023-04/2023, East Linden Elementary School, Columbus, OH, Volunteer: Observed school meals and nutrition programs for kindergarten to fifth grade. Conducted reading, writing, and math lessons with third-grade students.
- 01/2022-05/2022, Southern University Laboratory School, Baton Rouge, LA, Volunteer: Observed school meals for kindergarten to fifth-grade students in an inner-city elementary school. Assisted in kindergarten classroom activities, recess programs, and school garden.
Timeline
2023-2024 National MANRRS Region II Graduate Student Vice President
Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, Related Sciences
05.2023 - Current
Graduate Research Associate
The Ohio State University
08.2022 - Current
Peer to Peer Liasion
Aramark - Southern University
08.2021 - 04.2022
Summer Research Intern
Summer Research Opportunities Program, Pennsylvania State University
06.2021 - 07.2021
Summer Intern
University of Florida
06.2020 - 07.2020
Lab Animal Attendant
University of North Texas Health Science Center
06.2019 - 08.2019
Summer Research Participant
Southern University and A&M College, BAYOU Program
Master of Science - Animal Science
The Ohio State University
Bachelor of Science - Agricultural Sciences with a concentration in Animal Science
Southern University and A&M College
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