Today’s graduating student spotlight is Benjamin Gelber! Benjamin is a graduating with his Master of Science degree is currently applying and interviewing for jobs. Before earning his master’s degree, Benjamin also earned his bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Operations Management. Read more about Ben’s UF ABE experience and his advice in this Q&A.
Harvesting strawberries with members of Dr. Liburd’s Fruit and Vegetable IPM Lab early in this Spring 2020 semester. Some of my greatest memories overall were at the UF/IFAS Plant Science Research and Education Unit in Citra, FL either working with Dr. Liburd’s research lab or on class field trips.
As both an undergraduate and graduate student in the department, multiple professors and faculty have always made themselves available to me whenever I had questions or needed guidance.
Did you have any advisors and/or mentors that helped your during your time at UF? If so, please explain.
Dr. Wendell Porter helped me as an undergraduate student and graduate student. The classes he taught were absolutely incredible. He always made sure that I was on track and helped me to succeed as a student in the AOM program. He was also always available to provide valuable career guidance and wisdom on a variety of topics.
Dr. Adam Watson, as my graduate advisor and professor, truly ensured my success as a graduate student and has always been a great resource. Whenever I needed help or just wanted to talk about something unrelated to school, he would make himself available.
Jerrett Kandzer, as my graduate mentor, always made sure to check on me and make sure that things were running smoothly in both my academic and personal life. We always have had great conversations and it was comforting to know that he was looking out for me.
Robin Snyder has always kept me on track as both an undergraduate and graduate in the AOM program. While all the individuals I mentioned have contributed to my success in various ways and have kept me focused, I don’t think I would have graduated without Robin.
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