JANEL LOUISE OHLETZ

CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA ~ 603-781-8004 ~ JLMART17@NCSU.EDU

SUMMARY
I strive to make a societal impact through research and food system knowledge to benefit both ecological and
economical systems. I possess a tenacious, solutions-driven mind-set, with a diverse background in problem
identification and solution implementation. My leadership, entrepreneurial, and management skills will
enhance my contributions as a NC Cooperative Extension Agent

EDUCATION
North Carolina State University August 2017 - Present
Doctoral Candidate - Soil Science GPA 3.63 Raleigh, NC

• USDA-National Needs Fellow, Interdisciplinary Graduate Research in Crop and Soil Science.
• In situ detection of plant stress in field crops using hyperspectral imaging spectroscopy.
• Investigate yield limiting factors of high-yielding corn in NC to reduce nutrient loss and improve
agricultural and grower outcomes.
• Presented research at NC Commodity conference 2018, 2019, and 2020.
• Presented research poster and oral presentation at NC Soil Science Society 2019 and 2020.
• Presented research poster at National tri-societies conference of Soil, Crop, and Agronomy.

University of New Hampshire May 2017

Master's Degree - Agricultural Science Durham, NH

• Demonstrated that grafting Cucumis melo L. to interspecific hybrid squash rootstock improved
resistance to sudden wilt, tolerance to cold soil, and increased yields in the northeastern US.
• Designed healing chamber and revised grafting protocol for the Loy lab using root excision and LED
lighting set-up.
• Assessed grafting compatibility of multiple melon cultivars to interspecific hybrid squash rootstock in
field trials.
• Participated in farmer field days and gave tours to school-aged children of Agriculture Experiment
Station

University of New Hampshire May

2015
Bachelor's Degree, Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Durham,
NH
Biological Honor Society
Magna Cum Laude

• SARE-NE farmer grant: On-farm trial investigating use of low-tunnels to over-winter perennial
artichokes to provide growers with an alternate crop for vegetable crop diversity.

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
Soil Health Institute April—
Aug. 2019
Internship Morrisville,
NC
• Wrote science communication content linking UN Sustainable Development Goals to soil health and
regenerative agriculture practices.
• Organized day-of registration for SHI annual meeting of 400 people.
• Moderated panel discussion at SHI national meeting.
• Provided support and crowd control during meals and breaks.
NCSU - Academic Services Aug. 2017—Nov. 2018
Academic Tutor Raleigh, NC
• Instructed and motivated student athletes in science related subjects to improve conceptual
understanding and learning outcomes, reinforce good study habits, and develop organization and time-
management skills.

UNH Agricultural Experiment Station May 2015 – Aug. 2017

Research Assistant Durham, NH
• Assisted with in-field and greenhouse data collection and hand pollinations for Cucurbit breeding
program.
• Developed successful grafting protocol, increased grafted melon plant success rate by 50%.
• Researched viability of field-grown grafted melons for Northeast market.

4J's Earthworks May 2013 – August 2017

Marketing/Greenhouse Manager Rochester, NH
• Provided customer service and home gardening education/one-on-one consultations.
• Disease and integrated pest management for annual and perennial nursery stock.
• Created social media marketing campaign, increased sales by 15% annually.
• Initiated reduced tillage plan to improve soil, and reduce labor and input costs.

Wakefield Inn and Restaurant Feb. 2007 – May 2013

Chef/Owner Wakefield, NH
• Increased occupancy rate from 24% to 42% annually for season business.
• Implemented operational changes to become Environmental Champion in the New Hampshire
Sustainable Lodging and Restaurant Association (NHLRA).
• Created cooking class program, teaching over 1,200 students hands-on meal preparation and provide
sustainable food education.

Fairlakes Hyatt Hotel Jan. 2001—June 2004

Catering Manager Fairlakes, VA
• Sold highest number per quarter of social events in history of hotel.
• Created custom social event proposals for clients.
• Organized and managed event execution to client specifications.
• Collaborated with banquet, kitchen, and front desk teams to provide excellent customer service.

Bethesda Hyatt Hotel Jan 2000 —Jan 2001

Assistant Banquet Manager
Bethesda, MD

• Managed teams of up to 25 convention service and banquet personnel while providing event
management services to client specifications.
• Administration of payroll for up to 50 department employees.
• Attend weekly management team meetings to collaborate on upcoming events and to work
toward the goal of exceeding client's expectations.

TECHNICAL SKILLS, CERTIFICATIONS, AND AWARDS

• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point.
• Public speaking and science education at farmer focused organic farmer association conferences.
• Statistical analysis, experimental design, and field research experience.
• Teaching and Communication Certificate - in progress.
• Virginia SEA-Grant Team Science transdisciplinary graduate student training program.
• 1st place - oral presentation at the NE-Plants, Weeds and Soils conference.
• Graduate leadership training certificate at ASA, CSSA, and SSSA conference, 2019.
• President of Crop and Soil Graduate Student Association 2018-2019
• 2020 ASA, CSSA, SSSA Future Leaders in Science award