NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

CALS students are about to be getting their hands dirty with a first-of-its-kind tractor — one that runs on fuel harnessed right on the farm. 🚜

New Holland donated two T6.180 Methane Power Tractors — the first natural-gas powered tractors in North Carolina — to NC State this spring.

NC State Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering Professor Jason Ward will train precision agriculture students on the tractors starting fall 2026. Professors Stephanie Kulesza and Mahmoud Sharara will lead research and extension efforts on the new technology by harvesting biomethane produced from biodigesters in waste management systems, such as swine lagoons, and using it as fuel.

Meet CALS graduate Ava Knudsen! 👋🎓

Knudsen is from Charlotte, North Carolina, and majored in horticultural science with minors in entomology, plant biology and agribusiness management. She had the opportunity to study abroad in Valencia, Spain and, in addition to her studies, worked at the JC Raulston Arboretum her junior and senior year.

Her advice to future CALS students? “Each class should be thought of as a privilege, rather than a burdensome obligation. Make the effort to show up and make connections with your peers.”

After graduation, Knudsen headed to Pennsylvania to work at Chanticleer Garden.

Congratulations, Ava, and welcome to the CALS Alumni Pack!

Meet CALS graduate Jasmine Alston. 👋🎓

Alston is from Greensboro, North Carolina, and graduated earlier this month with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science. During her time at NC State she studied abroad in Nagoya, Japan, where she worked as an undergraduate research assistant in an animal science lab and performed research on animal reproduction.

Her advice for future CALS students? "Spending time with friends is as important as studying, so make the time for your besties." ❤️

After graduation, she will be working at a veterinary clinic for a year before pursuing her master's in animal science.

Congratulations, Jasmine, and welcome to the CALS Alumni Pack!

Did you know that a CALS alumna's research with the Artemis II crew is helping fuel future astronauts? 🚀🍽️

Grace Douglas, the lead scientist for NASA's Advanced Food Technology research, is using feedback from the Artemis II team, including three-time NC State alumna Christina Koch, to guide food systems for future long-term missions. Her work will help provide a safe, nutritious and palatable food system to promote astronaut performance on those missions, including ones to Mars.

"The information we get from how the food system was used on this shorter mission can help guide development and evaluation of interventions as these highly resource-constrained missions get longer," she said of the research.

Douglas, who earned a master's in food science and a doctorate in functional genomics from NC State, pursued food science as a career with the goal of working for NASA.

We talked to Douglas about her career path to NASA and her work fueling astronauts. Hear what she has to say at the link in our comments.

Driven by the values she learned as a member of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, CALS graduate Stella Hardin is making an agricultural impact that honors her roots. 🎓

Hardin, who graduated earlier this May with a degree in agricultural science and a minor in extension education, developed her passion for community and environmental stewardship from her upbringing. As the undergraduate student speaker for the NC State Department of Agricultural and Human Sciences, she emphasized agriculture's importance and the impact graduates will have on the world.

“Everybody on this planet depends on the work that happens in our fields, our labs, our research centers and in our communities,” she said. “Everyone here has been entrusted with a duty to assist in transforming agriculture for the ever-changing needs of society in a way that also replenishes what we take.”

Read her story at the link in our comments.

CALS graduate Deana Poteat is hatching an impactful career in food animal medicine. 🐣

Poteat's love for domestic animals started at an early age, and she came into NC State planning to study animal science and then apply to veterinary schools. That passion grew to include the health and well-being of food animals, particularly poultry, after taking classes in the NC State Prestage Department of Poultry Science and finding her community.

“I really didn’t realize how much hands-on experience I would get through the classes and labs, and especially going into my internships with two poultry companies,” she said. “I think CALS has really set me up for success.”

This fall she will be following her passion as a Food Animal Scholar at the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine & Veterinary Hospital. After vet school, she envisions working for a large poultry producer where she can contribute to maintaining a safe, reliable and affordable protein source while providing the best care for the birds.

Learn more about Poteat and her journey at CALS at the link in our comments.

A love for animals led Alexia Alexander to NC State CALS. Now, as a graduate, she's on a path toward a thriving career in veterinary medicine. 🩺

Alexander, who grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina, graduated last weekend with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science. She made the most of her time at NC State, mentoring and guiding students as a CALS Ambassador, finding community within NC State's Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority chapter and working at an avian and exotic animal care practice, where she will move into a treatment role this summer.

“I came into NC State knowing what I wanted to do, but I didn’t know how to get there," she said. "I grew into the woman I’m supposed to be.”

In the fall, she plans to work in laboratory animal medicine at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Her plans after that include applying to veterinary school in the 2027-28 cycle, with NC State at the top of her list. She’s also considering a master’s degree in animal science to keep her options open.

Read more about Alexander and her time at NC State at the link in our comments. 💬

Meet recent CALS graduate Elle Steinlage! ✨🎓

Steinlage is from Morrisville, North Carolina, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Science earlier this May. She was a leader on campus, serving as the president of NC State's Agricultural Communicators Program, encouraging students as an NC State Department of Agricultural and Human Sciences ambassador and being an active member of Ducks Unlimited and the Delta Gamma Sorority.

In addition to her studies and campus involvements, Steinlage was crowned the 2025 NC Watermelon Queen, a role in which she worked to promote the production and consumption of watermelon in the state.

Her advice for future CALS students?

“Get as involved as possible — don’t be afraid to attend club meetings or events on your own, because some of the best opportunities and friendships come from stepping outside your comfort zone. Most importantly, always be kinder than necessary to others.”

This summer, she will intern with Collin's Produce and Flower Farm as part of the CALS Rural Works! program. In the fall, she hopes to continue pursuing her passion for marketing, communications and social media within the agricultural industry.

Congratulations, Elle, and welcome to the CALS Alumni Pack!

From a middle school FFA member to a graduate of NC State CALS, Chloé Sharpe has sown a passion for agriculture into a field of opportunity. 🌱

Sharpe graduated this past weekend with a degree in agroecology and sustainable food systems, which she describes as the study of sustainable agriculture from seed to fork. Between leading the Agroecology Club and interning with NC State Extension, she has spent her college career building community and championing agriculture.

“I’ve been learning who I am and what I’m good at outside of everything that I had been labeled as — and I don’t mean that negatively. People, when you’re growing up, they want to help you reach your full potential, and so they’re like, ‘I notice you’re good at this, so why don’t you do that?’ That’s how I ended up in FFA and that has led me here, so I’m grateful for that."

Now, she hopes to take her passion for sustainable agriculture and service into a career with NC State Extension to help bridge the gap between farmers and consumers.

Please join us in congratulating her on her graduation, and wishing her luck on her future in agriculture! ✨