We received a wonderful thank you from the recipient of the GMGA scholarship at UGA. Here is the message:
"My name is Chinonso Ayogu, and I am originally from southeastern Nigeria, where I earned my Bachelor of Agriculture in Crop Science from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, graduating in the top 1% of my class. After graduation, I worked as a research assistant on my undergraduate advisor's fruit and vegetable research farm, while also teaching agricultural science as a part-time instructor at both college and high school levels.
During this period, I developed a strong enthusiasm for fruit and vegetable management, which motivated me to seek opportunities to enhance my skill set in managing these crops from the field to postharvest stages. In 2022, I came across research conducted by Dr. Zilfina at UGA and later joined as a Research Scholar in her lab and Dr. Angelos’ lab. Through this opportunity, I worked on a blueberry project investigating “Performance of Preharvest Application of 1-Methylcyclopropene and Postharvest Application of Sulfur (IV) Oxide Emitting Sheets on the Firmness, Marketable Yield, Quality, and Shelf Life of Blueberries,” along with other related projects.
This experience strengthened my interest in postharvest management and inspired me to pursue further graduate studies. I was fortunate to be admitted to the Horticulture Department at the University of Georgia.
I am deeply grateful to the Master Gardener Scholarship, the Horticulture Department, and the University of Georgia at large for their incredible support in my journey. Your encouragement and generosity have played a major role in helping me achieve my academic and professional dreams.
I look forward to offering my best to the Department of Horticulture and the University of Georgia during my time here, and I am excited to meet in person the people who have supported me along the way.
Thank you so much to everyone for your support."