The Lloyd Noble Scholars program is more than just an internship. It’s an opportunity for college students to conduct real-world research and explore endless possibilities for their futures. Throughout the summer, scholars are guided by Noble Research Institute agricultural scientists and consultants. Thanks to these mentors, scholars depart Noble each year with an experience they will remember for the rest of their lives. They, too, leave lasting impressions on their mentors.
Lloyd Noble Scholar in Plant Science Bailey Christie (right) with mentor Sonali Roy, Ph.D.
Lloyd Noble Scholars Program
The Lloyd Noble Scholars in Plant Science track provides a real-world laboratory experience to undergraduate college students who are paired with a scientist-mentor in a plant science laboratory at Noble Research Institute. Scholars are integrated into the laboratory setting and participate in regular laboratory activities while conducting their own research projects and building relationships with scientists.
The Lloyd Noble Scholars in Agriculture track offers undergraduate and graduate students the chance to explore various aspects of agriculture. While working directly with Noble Research Institute consultants, scholars develop applied agriculture skills, interact with producers and help identify solutions to the real-world issues they face, and further enhance skills needed to be effective agriculture advocates.
Maddie and Raj
“I really enjoyed having Raj as my mentor. He works on many different projects and was eager to involve me in each one, even ones above the skill level of most undergraduates. My project, ‘Characterizing Lesion Mimic Mutants in Medicago truncatula,’ aligned perfectly with my research interests. I was able to design, control and execute the project with the confidence of a well-seasoned researcher to help me. I enjoyed this project so much that it highly influenced the Ph.D. research projects I looked into.”
— Caroline Maddie Brightbill
2018 Lloyd Noble Scholar in Plant Science
“I had the pleasure of working with Maddie. Her skillful and inquisitive approach toward understanding and solving problems led to completion of the designed projects on time. In turn, this was a great learning experience for me and helped me gain confidence in my mentoring skills.”
— Raj Nandety, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Fellow
Kwan and Vidhya
“Vidhya made it a priority to teach me new research techniques, helping me advance my abilities as a researcher. As a direct consequence of my time with her, I’ve decided to pursue a doctorate in biochemical/chemical engineering. Because of her guidance and teachings, I’ve received a scholarship and fellowship to continue work on my research project, which applies many of the techniques Vidhya taught me.”
— Kwan Yoon
2018 Lloyd Noble Scholar in Plant Science
“I had a great experience with Kwan. Together, we did lots of troubleshooting in optimization of our protocols. My research productivity increased effectively while enjoying the personal and professional benefits of mentoring a student. It was not only about me teaching a college student; I learned a lot from him. Overall, it was a progression for both of our skill sets.”
— Vidhya Raman, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Fellow
Mckenzie and Myriah
“My time as a Lloyd Noble Scholar in Agriculture confirmed my desire to pursue a career in agricultural policy. Myriah assigned me various projects to expose me to many ways policies impact people in agriculture. She was intentional and committed to ensuring I left Noble ready to accomplish future goals, and she remains one of my biggest mentors.”
— Mckenzie Carvalho
2018 Lloyd Noble Scholar in Agriculture
“During Mckenzie’s summer as a scholar, we were able to work on her policy analysis skills and develop her scientific writing. We continued the mentorship after she returned to Oklahoma State University, and I have seen tremendous growth in her over the past year. She has absolutely blossomed as a young professional, and I feel privileged to have played a small part in that.”
— Myriah Johnson, Ph.D.
Economics Program Leader and Agricultural Economics Consultant
Brent and Ryon
“Ryon wanted to see me grow as a young professional in the beef industry. Never did I get a straight answer from him, just a few key clues that led me in the right direction. He made it a point to challenge me, cultivating me into a problem solver and critical thinker.”
— Brent Weiss
2018 Lloyd Noble Scholar in Agriculture
“Being a mentor is an opportunity to share experiences with a young scholar who is very passionate about agriculture. Brent was just that person. Coming from a small cattle operation in Pennsylvania, Brent was passionate about learning everything he could about beef cattle production. His experience in cattle efficiency at the college he was attending allowed him to continue working on a project validating genetic traits for feed efficiency in replacement heifers.”
— Ryon Walker, Ph.D.
Livestock Consultant
