Current Officers
2025 - 2026
Our aim is to develop leadership skills through student-led symposiums and seminars, while expanding knowledge in plant sciences, promoting networking opportunities, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration to address "grand challenges" in the field. Join us as we work to make a positive impact in agriculture and the community through education and outreach initiatives.
Makayla Rutski
President
PhD Student, Plant Breeding;
Gainesville
Melanie Cabrera
Treasurer
PhD Student, Plant Breeding;
Gainesville
Anisa Khalid
Symposium Committee Co-Chair
PhD Student, Plant Breeding;
Gainesville
Sean Wang
Events Committee Co-Chair
PhD Student, Plant Pathology;
Gainesville
Hani Hassan
Fundraising Committee Co-Chair
PhD Student, Plant Breeding;
Gulf Coast REC
Olivia Hoffman
Outreach Committee Co-Chair
PhD Student, Plant Pathology;
Gainesville
Dr. Kelly Balmant
Faculty Advisor
Assistant Professor of Horticulture
Gainesville
Habib Akinmade
Vice President
PhD Student, Plant Breeding;
Gainesville
Christ Mane Belizaire
Secretary
PhD Student, Plant Pathology; Gainesville
Taylor Sawyer
Symposium Committee Co-Chair
PhD Student, Plant Breeding;
Gainesville
Raveendra Chandavarapu
Events Committee Co-Chair
PhD Student, Plant Breeding;
Gainesville
Avninder Kaur
Fundraising Committee Co-Chair
PhD Student, PMCB;
Gulf Coast REC
Alejandra Taco
Outreach Committee Co-Chair
Master's Student, Horticulture;
Tropical REC
Dr. Jessica Chitwood-Brown
Faculty Advisor
Assistant Professor of Horticulture
Gulf Coast REC