Meet Our Team

Noé Perron

President

Noé is a fourth-year Ph.D. student in the Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology program at the University of Florida.

He works in Matias Kirst's lab, employing state-of-the-art technologies to address current grand challenges in biology and agriculture.

Makayla Rutski

Vice President

Makayla is a third-year Ph.D. candidate in the Plant Breeding program working on disease resistance in southern pine trees.

She previously served as PSC Secretary and aims to make science accessible to the public through communication. She is also the website designer and coordinator.

Melanie Cabrera

Treasurer

Melanie is a second-year Ph.D. student in the Plant Breeding program working on crop modeling in broccoli.

She has been involved in the PSC since undergrad, transitioning into leadership roles, showcasing her commitment to advancing the field of agriculture

Nadia Mourad

Secretary

Nadia is a fifth-year Ph.D. candidate in the PMCB Program focusing on maize kernel development and metabolism.

She enjoys being involved in leadership and mentorship roles within the plant science community, and has been an active member of the PSC for several years.

Taylor Sawyer

Symposium Co-Chair

Taylor is a second-year Ph.D. student in the Plant Breeding program working on crop modeling in strawberry.

Being involved with the PSC since undergrad, she aims to foster transdisciplinary collaboration and diverse perspectives among scientists to develop innovative agricultural solutions.

Anisa Khalid

Symposium Co-Chair

Anisa is a second-year Ph.D. student in the Plant Breeding program working on pre-breeding in blueberry

She enjoys being involved in leadership and mentorship roles within the plant science community, and has been an active member of the PSC for several years.