Andrew Eastland

When and how did you realize that you wanted to study Genetics & Genomics?

I remember watching a documentary about golden rice when I was about 10 years old, and it made me excited about the possibility of what other crops we could breed that might also have live-saving effects. The next year, I learned about Mendelian genetics, and I realized that I could learn the science behind plant breeding. I also worried about the effects of population growth and climate change. Putting these ideas together, I realized I wanted to study genomics to breed crops that can face our future. I want to improve our crop systems to make resources more accessible and sustainable. Food is the most obvious resource, but crops are also vital for medicines, fabrics, and the like.

Why did you choose the Genetics & Genomics Ph.D. program at A&M?

After his work in dwarf wheat, Norman Borlaug spent the last years of his career building up the plant breeding program at Texas A&M. Borlaug is a scientist I very much admire because he kept a firm humanitarian focus throughout his career. Getting to meet faculty members in this program who have personally worked with Borlaug, and knowing that I’d be following that legacy, made it easy to commit to this school. I also found the GGEN students I met during recruitment extremely bright and personable. I want to become the kind of scientist that this program seems very good at fostering.

If you were free to choose anything, what research question/topic would you like to address for your graduate studies?

I want to breed a strain of some staple crop (like corn or wheat) that can mitigate atmospheric or aquatic pollution.

Fun Facts:

• Do you have any hidden talents? If so, what are they.

Yes! I sing and voice act. I can do some stage acting and other musical stuff, but I’m most proud of my voice. Catch me at karaoke sometime!

• Favorite place you have travelled to.

Costa Rica! I went there for a semester abroad studying biodiversity and sustainability. A wonderful country with lots of amazing wildlife and an inspirational focus on ethics in their social and economic programs.