CRSS Ambassadors
The CRSS Undergraduate Student Ambassador Program offers a unique opportunity for students majoring in Agriscience and Environmental Systems, Environmental Resource Science, Water and Soil Resources, and Turfgrass Management to represent the department and gain valuable professional experience.
Students are selected through an application and interview process each spring and undergo orientation and training to prepare for their role as the “faces of the department.”
Ambassador Responsibilities
- Represent the department at recruiting events, major fairs, and open houses
- Help coordinate and run departmental events (e.g., welcome parties, networking and fundraising events, monthly Lunch & Learn events)
- Assist with hosting VIP guests, donors, and industry professionals
- Create social media content (posts, videos, etc.) showcasing student activities
- Support branding and marketing efforts
- Serve as a liaison between students and faculty/staff
Benefits & Compensation
CRSS Ambassadors gain valuable resume-building experience, professional networking opportunities, and monetary compensation. Ambassadors are hired as student workers, working approximately 10–15 hours per week.
If you have any questions about this program, please email Jessica Barb.
Current CRSS Ambassadors
CRSS Ambassador Matthew Bruder
Matthew Bruder
Biography
Matthew Bruder is a senior in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, majoring in Agriscience and Environmental Systems with an emphasis in Sustainable Agriculture. He is also pursuing multiple certificates, including certificates in Local Food Systems, Sustainability, and Urban and Metropolitan Studies. He plans to graduate in Spring 2026, after which he hopes to work in conservation or sustainable agriculture. After gaining professional experience, he plans to pursue a master’s degree.
Campus Involvement
Matthew is actively involved in several campus organizations. He is a member of the Crop and Soil Science Student Society and SustainAthens Club and serves as Secretary of the Playing Cards Club. He also enjoys spending time at the Ramsey Climbing Wall.
Role as a CRSS Ambassador
As an Undergraduate Student Ambassador for the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Matthew has played an active role in strengthening student engagement and fostering a sense of community within the department. He has worked to showcase the hands-on learning experiences offered in CRSS courses, promote student organizations, and highlight student achievements through the Undergraduate Student Spotlight series. Additionally, he has organized social events to connect students and faculty while developing promotional materials to raise awareness of the department’s various opportunities.
What he loves about CRSS
Matthew appreciates the engaging courses and passionate faculty in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences. Some of his favorite classes include Principles of Sustainable Management (CRSS 4010) and Soils and Hydrology (CRSS 3060). He enjoys how these courses effectively convey important concepts in an engaging way. He also values the professors’ dedication to their students and their enthusiasm for their work.
One of his favorite aspects of his major is its interdisciplinary nature. Through his coursework, he has explored plant biology, soil science, economics, and sociology, which has broadened his perspective and introduced him to career paths he hadn’t previously considered. He believes this diverse academic experience has made him more well-rounded and prepared for a dynamic career in agriculture and conservation.
CRSS Ambassador Troy Loggins
Troy Loggins
About
Troy is a senior in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences at UGA, majoring in Water and Soil Resources. After graduating in May 2026, he will pursue a M.S. in Animal and Dairy Science at UGA focused on Soil–Beef–Forage systems in Georgia where he will continue to advocate for regenerative agriculture. He is interested in careers that integrate soil and water science with livestock and forage systems, including soil consulting, applied research, and Extension-related work.
Why He Chose CRSS
What I enjoy most about CRSS is the small class sizes and being surrounded by motivated, career-focused students. It creates an environment where you can continuously grow your knowledge while also building strong relationships with classmates and receiving meaningful support from faculty.
Impact as a CRSS Ambassador
As a CRSS Ambassador, Troy has helped strengthen the student community through engagement and networking events. He has also enhanced departmental outreach by creating social media graphics, event buttons, and other promotional materials that improved the visibility and professionalism of CRSS activities.
Campus Leadership & Involvement
- Crop and Soil Science Student Club (SEADS)
- SEADS Quiz Bowl Member
- Soil Judging Team Member
- Young Farmers and Ranchers
- UGA Academics Afield Program
- UGA Club Cross Country / Track&Field
- Baptist College Ministries
- Favorite Classes or Experiences
- CRSS 3030 – Principles of Precision Agriculture
- Trip to Salt Lake City with quiz bowl team for conference
CRSS Ambassador Hollis Eversole
Hollis Eversole
About
Hollis is a sophomore in UGA’s Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, majoring in Environmental Resource Science. She is also pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Ecology and a minor in Chemistry. She plans to graduate in Spring 2028 and continue her education through a master’s degree, with the long-term goal of earning a PhD.
Why She Chose CRSS
When Hollis first came into CRSS she fell in love with the welcoming atmosphere of the department. She admired how passionate all the faculty and staff are. She was especially inspired by the advanced research taking place across the department and was eager to be part of that community.
Impact as a CRSS Ambassador
As a CRSS Ambassador, Hollis has played an active role in strengthening community and engagement within the department. She has helped organize networking events that connect students with industry professionals and peers across the university. She has also contributed to departmental social media efforts to showcase CRSS and has promoted and participated in events that connect students, faculty, and the broader college community.
Campus Leadership & Involvement
Hollis is actively involved in various campus organizations including
- Phi Sigma Rho-a social sorority for women in stem- Director of Community Service (2025-2026)
- SEADS- Crop and Soil Science Student Society
- Research assistant- UGA Weed Science Lab
Favorite Classes or Experiences
One of Hollis’s favorite experiences has been working as a summer research assistant, which included trips to South Georgia for field data collection. She also especially enjoyed studying abroad in Spain through CAES, where she was able to broaden both her academic and cultural experiences.
Fun Fact
She hates lettuce.
CRSS Ambassador Emmeline Haviland
Emmeline Haviland
About
Emmeline is a freshman in UGA’s Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, majoring in Environmental Resource Science. She plans to graduate in May 2029 and hopes to pursue a career as an environmental scientist focused on marine ecosystems and natural resource conservation. Emmeline would like to move abroad for her research to learn more about herself and other cultures.
Why She Chose CRSS
Emmeline loves CRSS for its dedication to its students, endless opportunities, and caring community. As a freshman, she has always felt well-connected and welcomed. She is excited to spend the next four years diving into coursework related to soil science, ecosystem management, and conservation science, while also building relationships with staff and peers.
Impact as a CRSS Ambassador
As a new CRSS Ambassador, Emmeline is most excited to work in the recruitment process, with the opportunity to meet new faces and share her experiences. Emmeline is also excited to coordinate events and represent the CRSS Department at college-wide events.
Campus Leadership & Involvement
Emmeline is also involved in the Sustainable Business Society through the Terry College of Business, learning about sustainability consulting through industry lecturers and student networking.
Favorite Classes or Experiences
CRSS 1200 is Emmeline’s favorite department class so far; She met many first-years with similar interests, attended interesting field trips, learned about the CRSS department, and was exposed to college-wide resources.
Fun Fact
Emmeline is an out-of-state student from New Hampshire. Her hobbies include painting, hiking, and trying local coffee shops!
CRSS Ambassador Jhilli Hebbar-Shah
Jhilli Hebbar-Shah
About
Jhilli is a sophomore in UGA’s Crop and Soil Department majoring in Agriscience and Environmental Systems with an emphasis in Precision Agriculture. She plans to graduate in Spring 2029 with a bachelor’s degree, after which she hopes to pursue a career that combines Precision Agriculture and conservation.
Why She Chose CRSS
Jhilli loves CRSS for the hands-on experiences, the engaging field trips, supportive faculty, and for the promising opportunities the department provides. She appreciates the community created through CRSS and the meaningful advice and lessons she has learned from the faculty.
Impact as a CRSS Ambassador
As an undergraduate CRSS ambassador, Jhilli has played a role in building community and increasing student engagement within the department. She works on tasks that improve the department physical spaces as well as promoting the department’s majors, courses, clubs, and organizations through UGA recruitment events, tabling events and more.
Campus Leadership & Involvement
- Crop and Soil Student Society
- UGA 5Rivers Fly Fishing Club
CRSS Ambassador Cullen Sewell
Cullen Sewell
About
Cullen is a junior in UGA’s Department of Crop and Soil Sciences majoring in Turfgrass Management with a minor in Crop Science. Cullen had the opportunity to intern with the Atlanta Falcons as the groundskeeping assistant last summer and plans to intern on a high-level golf course this upcoming summer. After graduating with his bachelor’s degree, he plans to pursue a career in the golf course industry.
Why He Chose CRSS
Initially coming to Georgia as a business major unsure of what to pursue, Cullen found out about Turfgrass Management from a fellow turfgrass student and friend from high school. Always being passionate about the outdoors, he quickly found his calling. Cullen enjoys CRSS for several reasons but especially the close-knit community. He enjoys being able to build genuine relationships with his professors, students, and future peers in the turfgrass industry.
Impact as a CRSS Ambassador
As a first year CRSS Ambassador, Cullen plans to be involved with recruitment and networking with prospective students, facilitate departmental events, promote digital outreach through social media, and be an advocate for CRSS and the Turfgrass program.
Campus Leadership & Involvement
Cullen has been involved with the Turfgrass Club and now is an officer and public relations coordinator for the Turf Club.