Kayla Grey, from Carbondale, Illinois, is a graduating senior in both Horticulture and Animal Science with a minor in Environmental Studies. She will begin her master’s degree during the summer of 2024, in production horticulture at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, (SIUC). Her current and master’s research encompasses horseradish, red raspberries, and peaches.

At SIUC, currently Kayla serves as the president of the Horticulture Association, is a member of the Saluki Soil Judging Team, and on the SIUC Agbassador Team.

After graduating with her master’s degree, Kayla plans on continuing her academic endeavors by getting her Ph. D.