Eric Smith
Pembroke
Summary
Experienced Crop Specialist with a strong background in agronomy and agricultural science. Specialized and innovative plant breeder known for highly productive and efficient task completion. Possess specialized knowledge in CRISPR Cas-9, Agrobacterium gene editing, floral dipping and leaf infiltration protocols, crossbreeding techniques, and cold-resistance optimization. Possess skills in implementing sustainable farming practices and precision agriculture techniques. Strengths include PowerPoint presentation, problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication, ensuring successful collaboration and project advancement, contributing to improving crop yield and farm productivity.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Intern Research
UNC Pembroke
Pembroke
08.2024 - Current
- Assessed potential new fruiting Passiflora varieties, for adaptation to local conditions using data analysis techniques.
- Conducted research on the genetics of potential Passiflora spp. improvement by hybridization techniques.
- Monitored environmental factors that may influence crop performance under frost and chilling conditions.
- Collected and analyzed data related to phenotypic characteristics such as seed size, fruiting size, and/or coloration.
Work Study Farm Technician
UNC Pembroke
Pembroke
08.2023 - Current
- Operate, maintain, and repair farm equipment, irrigation systems, and other infrastructure to ensure smooth day-to-day operations.
- Aid in planting, cultivating, harvesting, and monitoring crops, including pest and weed control, soil health assessments, and fertilizer application.
- Train and oversee student workers or interns, assigning tasks and ensuring proper execution of responsibilities.
Genetic Research
UNC Pembroke
Pembroke
08.2023 - 12.2025
- Performed genetic mapping studies to identify genes associated with gravity tropism trait expression in Arabidopsis.
- Developed new methods for evaluating the quality and performance of different gene expression under microgravity environments.
- Collected and analyzed data related to phenotypic characteristics such as seed size, shape or coloration.
Sales/Logistics Associates
Harbor Freight Tools
Fayetteville
06.2021 - 01.2023
- Help customers purchase the best item provided by the company for their needs.
- Commission on sales of extended warranties and store memberships, keep store clean and stocked.
- Successfully handle freight by picking and packing required merchandise from the storage areas and delivering merchandise to the sales floor.
FTCC Lab Technician
Pearl’s Premium Grass Seed Research
Fayetteville
08.2020 - 05.2021
- Created various soil mediums combination required during trails and testing in order to observe the optimum medium for the Pinaceae growth.
- Sanitizing and maintaining a properly controlled lab environment for more precise lab results.
- Aseptically probate different varieties in order to support and achieve the best results in proper sustainable practices.
Boar’s Head Representative
Bully City Provisions
Durham
02.2018 - 10.2020
- Coordinating and communicating alongside with the deli manager, deli team, and Boar’s head distribution to manage the demand of items for the customers.
- Creating active samples for customers to taste and informing them of the health benefits that Boar’s Head products have to offer.
- Performing inventory twice a week to ensure that the following shipments are in order to be put on the sales floor.
Farm Laborer
Smith's Family farm
Eastover
05.2009 - 11.2015
- Operated irrigation systems to ensure proper water levels for crops.
- Cared for livestock by regularly feeding and watering animals.
- Repaired fences, gates, buildings, and other structures on the property.
Lab Technician
NC A&T State University Hypoallergenic Peanut Plant
Greensboro
08.2012 - 05.2013
- Researching and observing and recording the growth of the production of the hyper-allergenic peanut plant.
- Sanitizing and maintaining a properly controlled lab environment for more precise lab results.
- Creating alternative soil mediums as well as transplanting and pruning each cutting to create the best result in our observations and recording.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Sustainable Agriculture
University of North Carolina Pembroke
Pembroke, NC06-2025
Associates - Science
Fayetteville Tech. Comm. College
Fayetteville07.2022
High School Diploma -
E.E Smith Senior High School
Fayetteville06.2012
Skills
- Vehicular Safety PPT
- Trained PPE
- Trained ROPS
- Fertilizer Safety
- Sprayer Safety
- Irrigation System
- Tool Maintenace
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Excel
- Plant breeding
- Aseptic lab techniques
- Tair Gene Database
- Benchling
- Agrobacterium gene editing
- PCR Protocol
Accomplishments
- Best Salesman 2021 FTCC Horticulture Club member
- Rank of Eagle Scout 2012 from Boy Scouts of America
Hobbies and Interests
- Fishing
- Kayaking
- Hiking
- Marching Band
- Farming
- DIY Builds
- Camping
- Cooking
Agricultural Skills
- Vehicular Safety PPT
- Trained PPE
- Trained ROPS
- Fertilizer Safety
- Sprayer Safety
- Skilled Aseptic Lab techniques
Affiliations
● Fishing
● Kayaking
● Hiking
● Marching Band
● Farming
● DIY Builds
● Camping
● Cooking
Timeline
Intern Research
UNC Pembroke
08.2024 - Current
Genetic Research
UNC Pembroke
08.2023 - 12.2025
Work Study Farm Technician
UNC Pembroke
08.2023 - Current
Sales/Logistics Associates
Harbor Freight Tools
06.2021 - 01.2023
FTCC Lab Technician
Pearl’s Premium Grass Seed Research
08.2020 - 05.2021
Boar’s Head Representative
Bully City Provisions
02.2018 - 10.2020
Lab Technician
NC A&T State University Hypoallergenic Peanut Plant
08.2012 - 05.2013
Farm Laborer
Smith's Family farm
05.2009 - 11.2015
Bachelor of Science - Sustainable Agriculture
University of North Carolina Pembroke
Associates - Science
Fayetteville Tech. Comm. College
High School Diploma -
E.E Smith Senior High School
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