Graduate students have been an important part of the American Peanut Research and Education Society’s annual meeting for decades.

The student paper and poster competitions are a case in point and are among the most well-attended sessions at the meetings.

For the past six years, a student organization has enhanced student presence not only at the annual meeting but also throughout the year.

APRES Graduate Student Organization President Nick Shay and outgoing president Kaylyn Reagin say the student organization helps prepare them for ag-related careers. (Photo, Pete Dotray, Texas A&M AgriLife/Texas Tech)

“APRES has done a great job of highlighting graduate students and recognizing the work graduate students do,” says Kaylyn Reagin, who just finished her term as president of the student organization.

“One of the things I’ve noticed about APRES is the impact students are having in genetics, weed science, pathology, and all the components that are a part of the university systems,” says new APRES Student Organization President Nick Shay.

Reagin said her first APRES meeting was virtual during Covid. During her first in-person meeting, she attended the graduate student luncheon and “was surprised at how large the graduate student organization is. It includes representation from a lot of universities.

“It was an excellent time to connect and get to know students from other parts of the country and other countries. I think APRES was a pivotal part of my PhD program.”

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Close-knit culture

Shay agrees that the close-knit culture of APRES offers significant opportunities to graduate students.

“It’s easy to collaborate with other students and others in the industry,” he said. “Dr. Bob Kemerait has always been the biggest cheerleader for graduate students and the role they play in this meeting and in this organization. We can feel the support from all of the members, including those outside the university system. This is my favorite meeting.”

Reagin and Shay have participated and won awards in the student competitions and agree that the exposure they get from those sessions is a tremendous benefit as they complete degrees and start looking for jobs.

“APRES is a great place for graduate students to get tips on how to make moves in their careers,” Reagin said. “It’s a great opportunity to make connections.”

Both have clear career paths. Reagin graduated with her PhD from the University of Georgia, Tifton, in May and now works for Field-to-Market.

“I based my dissertation on Field-to-Market, and I guess they liked me enough that they decided to hire me,” she said. “I currently work with Climate Smart Commodities.”

Shay, also at UGA, Tifton, has worked on a PhD with Eric Prostko in weed science and will graduate in December.

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“After graduation I’ll transition to a field corn, soybean, and small grains Extension agronomist for the University of Georgia. My main appointment will be Extension outreach.”

Pete Dotray, Texas A&M and Texas Tech weed scientist, initiated the student organization when he was APRES president six years ago.

“I am proud to have started the GSO when I was president at our 50th Anniversary,” Dotray said “I think we are in great hands with the leadership coming from our talented young professionals.”

Richard Owen, CEO, American Peanut Council, says student involvement plays a pivotal role in APRES.

He said student competitions provide an opportunity to present and defend their research. “I always leave the meeting energized when I hear about some of the research they're doing,” Owen said.

Peanut research was on neither Reagin’s nor Shay’s radar until late in their studies. Shay, originally from New York, started out as an environmental scientist with a BS from Kennesaw State after serving several years in the military. Reagin, from Siler City, N.C., studied animal science at Oklahoma State.

Shay took over as GSO president following the recent APRES annual meeting in Oklahoma City. “I'll be moving over to my new position, which does not include peanuts, in November,” Shay said. “But I'll continue to be the APRES GSO President through the 2025 meeting in Richmond.”

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Reagin says APRES allows students an opportunity to explore options after graduation. “Will some go back to academia? Will some go to industry? APRES is a great place to ask questions, make connections, and begin planning for careers after graduate school.”