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.
Want to be a CRSS Ambassador?
Deadline: Friday, April 18, 2025
Current CRSS Ambassadors
CRSS Ambassador Peyton Worsham.
Peyton Worsham
Biography
Peyton Worsham is a senior in UGA’s Department of Crop and Soil Sciences where she is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Agriscience and Environmental Systems with a Minor in Agribusiness and Management. As a Double Dawgs student, she is also working toward a Master’s degree in Plant Protection and Pest Management. In May 2025, Peyton will graduate with her bachelor’s degree and transition into her role as a full-time master’s student. After completing her education, she plans to become a farmer.
Campus Involvement
Throughout her time at UGA, Peyton has been actively involved in various South Campus organizations, including:
- Sigma Alpha Professional Agricultural Sorority (President, 2024-2025; Recruitment Director, 2023-2024)
- Young Farmers and Ranchers
- Integrative Precision Agriculture Club
- Crop and Soil Sciences Student Society
Her leadership in Sigma Alpha has allowed her to support fellow students, promote women in agriculture, and build strong professional networks.
Role as a CRSS Ambassador
As an Undergraduate Student Ambassador for the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Peyton has played a key role in student engagement and departmental outreach. She has worked to build community, connect student organizations, and support recruitment efforts. Her contributions include organizing the Undergraduate Student Spotlight series, coordinating networking events with industry professionals, and representing the department at college-wide events like the South Campus Get-Together. She has also helped develop marketing materials and social media content to promote the department. Through her efforts, Peyton has strengthened the department’s presence both at UGA and beyond. We thank her for all that she has done for the Department.
What she loves about CRSS
Peyton values the tight-knit community and the passionate faculty in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences. She appreciates the small class sizes, which provide personalized instruction and hands-on learning, and enjoys learning about the cutting-edge research conducted by her professors and peers.
Majoring in Agriscience and Environmental Systems gave Peyton a broad, interdisciplinary perspective, allowing her to explore plant physiology, soil science, precision agriculture, water quality, and plant pathology. She loved the constant opportunity to learn and discover, making her academic experience dynamic and rewarding.
CRSS Ambassador Matthew Bruder.
Matthew Bruder
Biography
Matthew Bruder is a junior 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.