Dillan Hazzard, a graduating senior majoring in Agribusiness, has been an integral part of the CU Pulse Quality and Nutritional Breeding Lab for nearly a year. Their journey began when they enrolled in Dr. Dil’s Vegetable Crops class, where they showcased exceptional work and demonstrated a keen understanding of working with vegetables within business frameworks. Recognizing their potential, Dil offered Dillan a position as a social media marketer for the lab following their presentation on Communal Gardens at Hospitals.
Despite lacking extensive lab experience, Dillan swiftly adapted to lab life, taking the initiative to familiarize themselves with fellow lab members through weekly interviews. These interactions provided invaluable insights into the intricacies of lab operations, including machine functionalities, data collection processes, and publication preparation. Embracing the nuances of lab life and the study of pulses, Dillan is committed to furthering their contributions to the field of pulse crops and plant breeding.
Their primary responsibility in the lab involves crafting informative articles to educate people about the significance of pulses in both consumer and producer agricultural contexts. These encompass a variety of topics, including general information articles, pieces depicting the utilization of pulse crops in countries worldwide, and features highlighting different lab members and their daily activities. Recently, Dillan has expanded their involvement by joining Dr. Dil’s Creative Inquiry Class, which centers on enhancing accessibility to pulses among the general American populace. Their current contribution to the project involves spearheading the compilation of a cookbook featuring pulse-themed recipes, with the aim of fostering broader adoption of these legumes in American diets.
While Dillan harbors aspirations in the cannabis industry, they maintain a long-term interest in food crops, including fruits, vegetables, and pulses. Their ultimate goal is to address food insecurity by ensuring that nutritious and flavorful food is accessible to all. Urban farming, particularly urban hydroponics and aquaponics, captivates Dillan due to its potential to mitigate food deserts, reduce transportation and production costs, and improve food accessibility in urban areas.
Expressing gratitude towards Dr. Dil for the invaluable learning opportunities provided, Dillan acknowledges the mentorship received in research and lab practices. They intend to pursue further studies in cannabis upon returning to Massachusetts but anticipate returning to Dr. Dil’s lab for a master’s degree in the future. Dillan remains committed to their mission of combating hunger and acknowledges the pivotal role Dr. Dil plays in their academic and professional journey.
Reflecting on their newfound appreciation for pulses, Dillan emphasizes the versatility and benefits these legumes offer, advocating for their wider adoption. As they navigate this dynamic field, Dillan invites support and engagement, promising regular articles, Instagram posts, and Twitter updates to keep followers informed and inspired. Join Dillan in championing this exciting journey, as they strive to make a meaningful impact in the realm of agriculture and food security.
