Graduate spotlight: Ryan Hamilton
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EmailFrom Craft Brewing to Crop Science: PhD Candidate Ryan Hamilton shares how the transformative power of curiosity, mentorship, and experiential learning helped build a career in agricultural science
"Barley is a challenging crop to grow for malting quality in Michigan." Working on barley field trials at KBS, Ryan grew close to KBS farm manager Brook Wilke and now-retired extension educator Dean Baas. "At my first visit to KBS, I remember thinking, 'I'd love to work here someday.’" And that’s where Ryan found his passion for research and extension.
"When the pandemic hit and we saw everything happening in the world, I found I really wanted to work on something with broader implications for food security and human health.” Ryan was well into his 40th decade when he joined Martin Chilvers' laboratory as a master's student in agronomy. "It's hard to understand what graduate school is like unless you've been through it,” Ryan said. “I admit took me a while to figure out how to be a grad student, but the mentorship I have received—from Marty, Brook, Dean, and so many peers—helped tremendously.” The transition to PhD program was seamless, and opened doors to many new learning experiences.
And now, five years later, with three peer-reviewed publications, another manuscript under review, and extensive experience in research, extension, scientific writing, teaching and graduate mentorship, Ryan is ready for the next step. “I love teaching and working with growers,” Ryan said. “I am so fortunate to have these opportunities."
Working alongside extension specialists has reinforced an important lesson. "Extension is never a one-way street,” Ryan said. "I learn as much from conversations with growers as they learn from me. I feel most fulfilled when I'm learning new things and sharing that knowledge with people who can actually use it."
