HALEY WOOLARD 

Description of Internships Host Company and Provided Services 

Pattern Agriculture (Emeryville, CA; https://www.pattern.ag), offers a comprehensive array of transformative services that are driving innovation in the realm of modern agriculture. Their platform is a blend of cutting-edge technology and sustainable farming practices, fostering a harmony between data-driven decision-making and ecological consciousness during agricultural practices. With a focus on optimizing crop yields and resource utilization, Pattern offers services that range from soil health analysis to predictive disease modeling, revolutionizing how farmers approach cultivation.

Pattern's services encompass an impressive spectrum, including but not limited to, soil health assessment, where advanced analytics unveil actionable insights for farmers to tailor their cultivation practices. Additionally, their predictive disease modeling empowers farmers to pre-emptively address potential threats to their crops, minimizing losses and promoting sustainable practices. The company's irrigation optimization services exemplify their commitment to precision farming, leveraging data to fine-tune watering schedules for maximum efficiency. By fostering an integration of technology and agriculture, Pattern Agriculture is not only redefining farming practices but also contributing to the broader goal of achieving food security and sustainable resource management. Through these services, Pattern Agriculture not only revolutionizes the agricultural landscape but also aligns with the broader objectives to better the world.

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Goals of Internship

The summer internship role involves responsibility in evaluating the market potential concerning the management of agricultural pest resistance in both traited seeds and chemical pesticides. Doing this by analyzing the economic impact stemming from resistance in seeds and chemical inputs, while also identifying the underlying mode-of-action and site-of-action responsible for pest resistance. Furthermore, correlating the pests showing recent resistance can be effectively identified through the utilization of Pattern's advanced technology. These processes will support in producing a concise and comprehensive report, and presentation that strategically ranks the viable resistance pests markets deserving pursuit by Pattern.

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Technical Experience Gained

During the internship, I gained invaluable technical experience that greatly enriched my skill set. I learned a multitude of techniques that spanned various aspects of the field. This included refining my time management skills, as I had a remote manager across different time zones, which exposed me to navigating global interactions. Utilizing databases for agricultural economics research, I honed my ability to search through resources efficiently, collaborating with librarians to fine-tune my search keywords for optimum results. Furthermore, I enhanced my presentation skills through virtual platforms like Zoom and Google Meet, enabling me to convey my findings effectively. My proficiency in Excel reached new heights as I discovered advanced features for creating impactful data visualizations.

In terms of communication, I grew more adept at communicating with direct supervisors. This was an area I had felt less confident in previously, but the internship provided ample opportunities to learn how to communicate efficiently about time management and task prioritization. My engagement extended into research and data analysis within the realm of agricultural economics, where I gained a deeper understanding of the intricacies of the field. Additionally, the array of equipment and software I utilized was diverse, ranging from Google Drive and Google Meet for seamless collaboration, Slack channels for communication, to Microsoft Excel for data manipulation. I also delved into various databases like Frost and Sullivan, AGRICOLA, American Crop Protection Network, RioRender USDA Database, and scientific journals, which allowed me to explore a wide range of sources to support my research and analysis.

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Specific Accomplishments and Outcomes

One of the key accomplishments of my internship was recommending a direction for the development of new diagnostic tools that Pattern should implement. Drawing upon my analysis of pest resistance in agricultural seeds and chemical pesticides, I identified a new direction of pests for Pattern where they should implement diagnostic tools. This recommendation aligns with Pattern's mission to integrate cutting-edge technology with sustainable agriculture practices. I delivered an extensive report that synthesized my findings and recommendations. This report provided a detailed analysis of the economic impact of pest resistance, insights into mode-of-action and site-of-action responsible for resistance, and an assessment of resistance markets worthy of pursuit. The report served as a valuable resource for Pattern Agriculture, offering actionable insights and strategic guidance for their future endeavors in pest resistance management.

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Personal Growth and Professional Growth

During my internship at Pattern Agriculture, I experienced substantial personal and professional growth. I honed my technical skills, delving into the analysis of the economic impact of pest resistance in agricultural seeds and chemical pesticides. This role required me to become proficient in data analysis and leverage Pattern's advanced technology to identify and assess pest resistance trends. I also gained valuable market analysis expertise, learning how to evaluate market potential and discern opportunities and challenges within the agricultural industry. This internship also fostered my problem-solving abilities as I delved into identifying the modes-of-action and sites-of-action responsible for pest resistance. Crafting a concise yet comprehensive report and presentation further enhanced my communication skills, both written and oral.

Beyond these technical and analytical aspects, my internship broadened my industry knowledge, granting me a deeper understanding of agriculture and its sustainability aspects. Additionally, I developed project management and teamwork skills through the successful execution of the resistance market evaluation project. This internship not only contributed to my professional growth but also reinforced my commitment to sustainable agriculture and its positive impact on the world.

 

Acknowledgements

First and foremost, I would like to thank Dan Joo, Ph.D, for his exceptional mentorship. Dan's guidance, insights, and unwavering support throughout the research process have been invaluable. His expertise and dedication have greatly enriched this project, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow under his mentorship. I extend thanks to Rob Hranac CEO for his encouragement and support in my decision to join Pattern for the summer. His belief in my potential and the opportunities provided by Pattern have been pivotal in shaping my research and marketing experience. I also want to acknowledge Meaghan for her pivotal role in coordinating the opportunity to work with Dan. Her efforts and dedication to facilitating this collaboration have been instrumental in making the internship possible.