Senior Specialty Agronomist Advises to Start Interning Now!

Name: Shandrea Stallworth (she/her)

PhD: Plant and Soil Sciences, Mississippi State University, 2021

What was your main area of research?

Rice is a key food for over 3.5 billion people around the world, and farmers need to grow more of it every year to meet the demand. Climate change is making it harder to grow rice because of things like extreme heat, cold, and flooding, and current rice varieties don't have enough genetic diversity to handle these challenges.

Scientists are now studying wild and weedy types of rice because they have more genetic differences and can survive tough conditions better. Weedy rice might help researchers breed stronger rice that can grow even in difficult weather. My work looked at weedy rice to test how it handles stress, understand its genetic diversity, and identify genes that could make rice more resistant to climate challenges.

What is your current job?

I am a Senior Specialty Agronomist & Regenerative Agriculture Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Nestle Purina Petcare Company in Atlanta, GA.

My role focuses on implementing and accelerating global regenerative agriculture programs that align with Purina's sustainability goals. My work involves promoting farming practices that improve soil health, reduce carbon footprints, and support long-term agricultural sustainability.

I also contribute to research and initiatives aimed at enhancing food systems while advocating for diversity and inclusion in agriculture. As my role is global, I support all regions within Nestle Purina.

What is your favorite thing about your job?

I love that I am able to interact with mixed groups from scientists to CEOs.

What is the most important skill you developed or experience you had during your PhD that now helps you in your current position?

Communication with the non-science community has been the most important skill I have developed.

In my role, I spend roughly 70% of my time communicating with farmers and those responsible for procuring necessary ingredients. By focusing on sharing my research and findings with the non-science community, I have strengthened my ability to effectively share information across multiple areas.

How did you build the skills necessary for your current role?

My skills were developed by participating in conferences not directly aligned with my expertise. By focusing on farmer-facing events, I quickly learned how to translate my research into high-level findings easily digestible by mixed groups.

I also spent time working with children (K-8) sharing my research. At this level, you have to make science fun and engaging and children are brutally honest.

Lastly, I joined MANRRS (Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences) to find a community focused on professional development and achievement.

How did you find this position? What were the career steps you took to get to where you are now?

I was recruited for my role via LinkedIn by sharing my work and accomplishments.

PhD graduate ➡️ herbicide biologist/weed scientist ➡️ consultant ➡️ Senior Specialty Agronomist

If someone is interested in a similar role, what would you recommend they start doing now to prepare?

Start interning NOW. It is never too soon to start exploring your interests via paid opportunities geared towards student development and exposure.

Why did you decide to not pursue a career in academia?

I always knew I wanted to have an impact on food security and science communication.

While it is possible to achieve in academia, research is a small part of the journey. I needed a bigger platform to share my findings without being tied to the “publish or perish” ideology tied to academia.

The decision was very easy, and surprisingly, I am still involved in academia at a high level (developing university research relationships, establishing research trials, presenting at conferences, etc.).

What advice do you have for someone getting their PhD and looking to pursue a career outside of academia?

Please, be your biggest advocate.

Do not let your PI convince you that academia is the only way.

Again, intern whenever you can. I completed internships during my Master’s and PhD to confirm I truly wanted to step away from academia.

Are there any components of your identity you would like to share, including how they have impacted your journey?

I am a black, woman with a PhD in a white, male dominated field. It can be intimidating at times, but I am constantly reminded that I was chosen to occupy this space. Imposter system creeps in, but having a solid support system continues to help me move out of this space and remember who I am.