2017
Middle Tennessee Star in Agriscience
Erin Wakefield, Fayetteville City
The Middle Tennessee Star in Agriscience is Erin Wakefield from the Fayetteville FFA Chapter. Erin is the daughter of Phil and Amy Wakefield and is a senior at Fayetteville High School.
Erin began her Plant Systems Research Supervised Agriculture Experience by researching monocultures used in modern agriculture with her prepared speech. This speech sparked an interest in plant systems and research that allowed Erin to learn more about the plant science industry. The next step in research was Erin’s project titled, “Chemical Nutrient Analysis and Growth Comparison of Philodendrons in Varying Soil Types.” This Agriscience project led to months of research involving lab tests, pH analysis, and observations to analyze which soils best suited philodendron growth. Currently, Erin is working on research involving Veterinarian Feed Directives in the livestock industry as well as another agriscience project. This time, testing is being conducted to test nitrate levels in varying fertilizers in runoff. This project was showcased at the 2017 Tennessee FFA Agriscience Fair, where Erin was recognized as a state winner for her research.
When not performing research initiatives, Erin is busy serving as the Chapter President for the Fayetteville FFA chapter. Additionally, she has assisted in coaching the freshmen conduct of chapter meetings team and is active in the chapter’s Passing Literacy OnWard campaign. She is involved in many Career Development Events including livestock evaluation, horse evaluation, prepared public speaking, agricultural sales, and her personal favorite, the agriscience fair, where she ranked 5th in the nation this year in the Plant Systems Division.
Erin plans to attend Tennessee Technological University in the fall where she is going to major in biochemistry. Her success with her agriscience research projects have shaped her career goals as she now plans to make a career in the science and technologies industry. Erin believes the skills that she has gained from agriscience will benefit her in her future college and career goals and help her to continue to be successful.
Her determination, drive and dedication to her SAE have made Erin Wakefield your Middle Tennessee Star in Agriscience.