PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (May 11, 2022) – When most people think of spinach, they think of Popeye or a popular salad mix. When Faith Isabelle thinks of spinach, she sees an opportunity to feed the world. As a published research student-scientist at Prairie View A&M University, she knows a thing or two about the leafy-green vegetable—and a whole lot more.
Faith Isabelle
“I hope that farmers can use my research to help expand their knowledge and increase their crop yields,” said Isabelle, a senior agriculture major in the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences at PVAMU.
As part of a team that conducted research on identifying optimum nitrogen rates on three varieties of spinach—Egyptian, Amaranth and Malabar—Isabelle sees the potential for the team’s research to help feed the population boom expected by 2050, she said.
“I wanted to expand my knowledge outside of animals so I could be well-versed when it came to my knowledge,” said Isabelle, whose major concentration is animal and food science, with a minor in chemistry. “I heard that the agriculture program was really good, and I liked how small the class size was. I felt PV had more of a personal touch than other schools.”
Not surprisingly, the Cypress, Texas, native entered PVAMU with a strong head start, carrying dual-credit college hours from high school. She said it was the university’s close-knit community, as well as the fertile pastures, that helped draw her to the school and make her time memorable and rewarding.
“I love the inclusion and family atmosphere,” said Isabelle. “I also love that we have a farm right on campus!”
Strong to the Finish
While at PVAMU, Isabelle took full advantage of all the opportunities offered to students, participating in Pre-Vet Club; Livestock Club; Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences; the HPX honor’s program; Kappa Omicron Nu national honor society; and the Motivate and Educate for Achievement program. She also played forward for the PVAMU women’s basketball team from 2018-2020.
“Being in these organizations has provided me with many opportunities to learn things outside of the classroom,” said Isabelle. “PV has allowed me to meet great people that have opened my eyes to the many opportunities out there. I will be forever grateful for everyone I came in contact with.”
In addition to her published research and active campus life, Isabelle earned a role as an intern with Agriculture Research Service, a United States Department of Agriculture agency, where she gained valuable experience that helped her better understand the role of agricultural research. She said the opportunity opened her eyes to the possibility of working in the field.
“PV has given me the opportunity to have different experiences within my field of study,” said Isabelle. “This alone has impacted which direction I wanted my career to go in. PV has teachers that actually care about their students, and they want to see them succeed.”
Service to Animals
Following in the footsteps of her mother, who graduated from PVAMU in 1988, Isabelle will walk across the stage in May to receive her Bachelor of Science in agriculture, and then step into a graduate program this fall to pursue her chosen career path: veterinary science.
“I am attending Tuskegee University in Fall 2022,” said Isabelle. She said she plans to become a large or exotic animal veterinarian, or maybe pursue a role as a research veterinarian.
“Animals have helped everyone by being either a companion, entertainment, work buddies, protection or food,” said Isabelle. “They do so much for us, and I wanted to do something for them in return—and help make a difference in their lives.”
While attending PVAMU, Isabelle said her biggest accomplishment has been receiving acceptance letters from three top-ranked veterinary schools: Tuskegee University, Texas A&M University and Ross University.
“I would like to thank my friends, family, teachers and mentors for helping throughout the years,” said Isabelle. “Without them, I would not be where I am today!
“At PVAMU, people are willing to help, said Isabelle. “You just have to be self-motivated and driven to not stop until you find them. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If one person doesn’t know the answer, ask another person until you find the answer.
Find what you love and never stop doing it.”
Click here to view a complete listing of this semester’s notable graduates.
By Kerry Laird
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