Pacific-Continental Network of Biosecurity Professionals
Celebrating Student Achievements
Samuel Krakowiak
Completed 1 Year Master's Program
I joined the PaCoN program in early January of 2024 with a background in Environmental Science, and was quickly engaged with the work. I went from basic knowledge in the field of plant pathology and biosecurity, to having a comprehensive understanding of the field, and the ability to conduct my own research and project, culminating in being able to present that work at the APS conference in the short span of a year
Through the courses and lesson plans, I got to learn about all the different aspects of biosecurity, from simple everyday lab procedures, to things like agricultural drone operations and FAA flight protocols. Providing a larger perspective on the expanding industry within the world of agriculture and biosecurity, utilizing the latest technologies to better the nations capabilities to prevent and respond to agricultural threats
Since my time beginning the NextGen PaCoN program, my world and the life I’ve been living has changed rapidly, and in my opinion for the better. The NextGen PaCoN has provided me with opportunities I could’ve only dreamed of just a few months ago. In just a few short months, I’ve not only gained invaluable knowledge about agricultural biosecurity, but I’ve also had the chance to connect with USDA officials and peers in our field. This has allowed me to see the broader impact of our work on both a national and global scale. One highlight was the week-long workshop at the Biosecurity Research Institute at Kansas State University, where I received hands-on training in a containment facility and had the unique opportunity to meet world leaders in biosecurity—an experience that was truly one-of-a-kind, as it further emphasized the importance of this field of work, not only to keep the agricultural industry safe from disease, but also how it is an important field of work for protecting the homeland and one of our most important resources, the food on our plates.
Additionally, the three-week Summer Exchange Program at the Institute of Biosecurity and Microbial Forensics at Oklahoma State University provided me with cutting-edge training and skill development, preparing me to contribute meaningfully to the field using the tools and systems I'm now trained and familiarized with. The NextGen PaCoN program has not only broadened my horizons but has also empowered me to pursue my passion for agriculture.
I went on multiple trips to seminars, student programs, and conferences to learn more about the field of work I'm taking part in, from visiting fellow universities to learn different lab protocols and techniques, visiting the USDA Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, to even visiting a BSL 3 Lab working on developing response protocols for US select agents and high consequence pathogens, allowing better planning of my future career opportunities, and to network with professionals and experts in the field to open possible doors to these opportunities
I actively engaged in workshops, such as Kansas State Universities Plant Biosecurity in Theory and Practice, which helped to understand the practical application of my work. Providing real world examples of how this fields work and research plays a role in the protection of the agricultural, as well as natural environments across The United States, as well as the world. Helping to better understand the importance of why this work is done, and how meaningful the research I've been working on really is, adding a real feeling of making an impact with the work I did
