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Sophia Arista

@sophiaarista

Crop sciences researcher at UIUC’s Rutkoski Lab, phenotyping wheat across 736 plots and processing multispectral imagery for agricultural insights.

United States

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In the Rutkoski Lab’s Small Grains Improvement (Wheat) research, I phenotyped wheat across 736 plots at two locations, collecting growth-stage data two to three times weekly. I also carried out the research workflow from seed preparation and planting through hand harvesting and threshing.

I supported controlled cross-pollination and greenhouse experiments, and gained working knowledge of cooperative testing logistics, including germplasm exchange coordination and scheduling alignment.

As an Undergraduate Research Assistant with Sorghum Breeding & Genetics at Texas A&M AgriLife Research, I assisted with field trial operations and breeding activities. I also processed seed and became familiar with equipment including the NIRS DS2500 analyzer, Almaco belt-thresher, and seed counters.

For precision agricultural research, I pilot a DJI Matrice 300 RTK with a Micasense Altum multispectral sensor and have completed 20 flight missions totaling five hours of UAS operation. I process imagery using QGIS, Agisoft Metashape, FIELDimageR, and custom R packages to derive calibrated vegetation indices.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Graduate Student Representative

Current

Crop Science IDEA Committee, UIUC Chapter

Sep 2023 - Present (3 years)

Bringing attention to areas within the department deficient in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Establishing communication lines between the IDEA committee and UIUC students to foster an inclusive atmosphere.

Diversity Equity Inclusión Communication Skills Project evaluation Budget allocation

Master's Student

Rutkoski Lab

Jun 2023 - Dec 2025 (2 years 6 months)

Phenotyped wheat across 736 plots at 2 locations, collecting growth stage data 2-3 times weekly. Executed complete research workflow including seed preparation, planting, maintenance, hand harvesting, and threshing.

Phenotypes Plant Breeding Pollination Greenhouse Trials Research Workflows Germplasm Exchange

Social Chair

Crop Science Graduate Student Organization

May 2024 - May 2025 (1 year)

Develop and distribute promotional materials and manage official social media accounts to boost student engagement. Coordinate with the Departmental Social Committee to align cross-departmental events.

Social Media Management Event Coordination Promotional Materials Student Engagement

Co-Chair

Crop Science Writers' Circle, UIUC

Oct 2023 - May 2024 (7 months)

Developed and led a writing program to strengthen graduate student skills with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Organized and facilitated a graduate student panel and peer critique sessions.

Writing Program Development Facilitation Critique Editing Proofreading Community Building

Mentor

Century Scholar Program, Texas A&M University

Aug 2021 - May 2023 (1 year 9 months)

Facilitated weekly seminar-style sessions for first-year students covering college readiness, time management, and student engagement. Adapted curriculum to design interactive activities and provided feedback on assignments.

Mentorship Curriculum Adaptation Student Engagement Feedback Peer Collaboration

Secretary

Texas A&M Agronomy Society

Aug 2021 - May 2023 (1 year 9 months)

Managed email correspondence for the executive committee and organized biweekly meetings. Maintained detailed logs of meeting agendas and action items, and maintained contacts with other chapters and companies.

Email Management Meeting Organization Record keeping Networking

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Texas A&M AgriLife Research

Aug 2020 - May 2023 (2 years 9 months)

Assisted in field trial operations including layout, planting, weed control, and irrigation management. Supported breeding activities and performed seed processing tasks.

Field Trials Animal Breeding Phenotypes Seed Processing NIRS DS2500 Almaco Belt Thresher Seed Counters