Mary Logan Tostenson

In her own words ...

Where are you from, and why did you choose to study at UGA/CAES?
Moultrie, GA. I completed my B.S. (Agriscience and Environmental Systems with a minor in Agribusiness and Management) at UGA in Athens in May 2021, and I decided to earn my M.S. in Tifton because of the hands on approach to research in the crops that interest me most - cotton, corn, peanuts, and vegetables.

What is your major/degree program, and what department?
Master of Science in Crop and Soil Sciences with a Sustainable Ag emphasis in the Crop and Soil Sciences Department

Why did you choose your major?
My Master's program joins two sectors of agriculture that excite me - precision ag and agronomy.

What is your favorite class you have taken?
Case Histories in Crop Physiology

What has been the best experience you've had so far at the college?
Discovering all the available resources the Science Library has to offer, as well as the immense catalog of journals, articles, and textbooks.

Who has been your favorite instructor(s)?
Dr. Snider and Dr. Rains

What has been the best experience you've had so far at the college?
Working under Dr. Porter and with the team he has put together. I have loved having the freedom to create a research project tailored to my interests and working with a team that feels like a family!

What do you want to do with what you have learned here?
I am not exactly sure what route I would like to go. Possible avenues are get a PhD and work as an extension specialist or work for a company in industry. My ultimate goal is to bridge the gap between precision ag technology/machinery and agronomic crops, as we are seeing more necessity for positions like this. 

How has your experience at UGA changed you?
I am more confident in my abilities as a professional and as an agriculturalist. Also, I have witnessed the importance of good leadership and how that leads to success.

Thinking of the word agriculture - what does agriculture mean to you? In what ways does agriculture impact your life and your culture?
To me, agriculture is the future and an industry that we must invest in. I have always been and always will be an advocate for the American farmer and hope to provide solutions to current problems we face in agriculture - including many misconceptions about farming practices. 

What do you like to do outside of class — hobbies, interests, secret talents?
I spend most of my time with friends and family travelling to different parts of the US and world, visiting MLB stadiums (I want to visit all of them), watching Georgia football, and hunting. Also, I have honey bees that I hope to start a small pollination and honey business from soon.