Q & A with new ADVS faculty member Abby Benninghoff

1. Where did you grow up? Knoxville, Tennessee

2. What Universities did you get your degree(s) from and why did you choose to go there? I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry and Biology from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville; I went to UT primarily because it was my local university, though I was fortunate to have an excellent school nearby. I went to the University of Texas at Austin for my doctorate work, and received my Ph.D. in Marine Science. The Marine Science Institute at UT Austin was an excellent place for me integrate my interest in biochemistry, physiology and the environment.

3. What got you interested in Ag? I have long held an interest in animal science, and in using animal models to understand issues not only important for animal health but also for humans. Much of my past work has focused on toxicology and cancer risk. Now, I also have interests in how diet, specifically certain vegetables, can help prevent cancer.

4. What do you want to achieve while here at Utah State University? My number one goal is to establish a successful research program addressing issues important to animal and human health. Our group will conduct research to understand how environmental factors influence gene expression via interaction with the epigenome. Simply put, the “epigenome” is another layer of cellular information that controls when certain genes are turned on or off. Some of these environmental factors we will study include environmental pollutants sometimes found in food called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. We will also investigate certain bioactive chemicals found in healthy foods, like green vegetables and fruits, as cancer preventive agents.

5. What are some of your hobbies? I love to sing, and have been caught on numerous occasions singing to myself while working in the laboratory. While in Oregon, I sang with a women’s community choir for five years, and I’ll definitely be looking for a choir in Logan to join this year. I also like to get out of town to go camping with my dog Indiana, and I’ve done some pretty extensive traveling in the pacific northwest and abroad to Japan and Australia. I also fancy myself a decent amateur photographer.

6. What is your favorite food? On a daily basis, yogurt – can’t go a day without yogurt. For splurges, peanut butter ice cream.

7. Who has had the biggest influence in your life? My father. He encouraged my interest in science from as early as I can remember. Flashes of NOVA on PBS from before I was in grade school are my earliest memories. He’s also pushed me to excel, and not to be satisfied with anything less than my best effort. My mother has been influential as well, but Dad really did have the most impact.

8. Where is your favorite vacation spot? Trout Creek campground, Willamette National forest in the Cascade Mountains in Oregon. Best camp site I have ever had. Hopefully, Utah will have some great places to compete! I plan to scour the Wasatch mountains for good camping come summertime.

9. What is your favorite season? Fall, I think. There is something wonderful about the changing colors of the leaves and the start of a new school year. Lots of possibilities in the air.

10. Do you have a favorite quote, if so what is it? “There is no finish line in the work of science”, President Barack Obama, 3/9/2009 Regardless of one’s political persuasion, this quote really rings true for all scientists. Our work is never done - there are always more questions to tackle.

Taylor Adams Chosen to Participate in USDA Forum

Taylor Adams, a junior in the Agriculture Systems Technology Education department at Utah State University has been selected to participate in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Outlook Forum Student Diversity Program after writing and submitting an essay on agriculture as a career.

USDA launched the Diversity Program in 2007 that focuses on students majoring in agriculture-related majors at land-grant colleges and universities. The program provides a unique opportunity for students to learn about agribusiness, the latest research, future trends and policy in contemporary agriculture at the forum, which takes place in Washington, D.C.

“I will be able to not only network with other students from land-grant universities nationwide, but also learn from professionals in agriculture,” she said. “I am excited to bring back to USU what I have learned from policy makers, producers, students and business executives in agriculture.”

Adams wrote about the careers in agriculture in the past, present and future from her view as an agricultural communication and journalism major. She decided to enter the Student Diversity Program because the opportunity of winning the contest would provide a priceless experience. She is excited for the opportunity to go to Washington, D.C., to meet new people and learn more about agriculture.

Adams will be in Washington, D.C., in February for two days to participate in the forum.