Almazi Matthews graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in general agriculture during UMES’ Winter 2024 commencement. She attributes the knowledge, hands-on research and professional opportunities afforded her as a School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences undergraduate student and USDA 1890 National Scholar to instilling the ingredients for her present and future success.
“Agriculture, Food and Resource Sciences is a very close-knit department with professors and faculty who want you to succeed,” Matthews said. “I got an amazing job on campus, traveled abroad and have been to numerous conferences because I put myself out there. Eventually, you even come to a professor’s mind when the next fitting opportunity arises.”
A transfer student from Waldorf, Maryland, Matthews decided to continue her education at UMES after learning of her family’s agricultural heritage. At the time, she was taking a botany class at a community college and working at a local plant nursery.
“When I expressed my interest in agriculture to my family, they shared stories of my late maternal and paternal grandparents’ involvement with farming and gardening. It was the push I needed,” Matthews said.
While at UMES, the budding agronomist worked under the tutelage of research assistant professor Corrie Cotton.
“She allowed me to explore my interests in agriculture by conducting my own research,” Matthews said. “I also assisted graduate students with their work, which helped me learn how to properly conduct research.”
A summer internship in her junior year gave Matthews a chance to participate in an experiential learning opportunity in Costa Rica.
“I will carry that experience with me in any career path I end up taking,” she said.
When she returned to campus, her interest in international agriculture grew. Matthews participated in the Global Orientation to Agricultural Learning (GOALs) program and was selected to attend the Borlaug Dialogues of the World Food Prize Foundation’s annual conference in Des Moines, Iowa. Having attended presentations and networking opportunities with world leaders, experts in global food security and peers, the weeklong national event fueled her interest in global food security.
“I have undergone tremendous personal development,” Matthews said of her undergraduate experiences. “I had to become comfortable being uncomfortable when facing difficult challenges. The best piece of advice I could give other students is to ask for what you want and put yourself out there.”
Matthews is returning to campus following graduation to pursue a master’s degree in food and agricultural sciences.
Gail Stephens, agricultural communications, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, UMES Extension, gcstephens@umes.edu, 410-621-3850.
Photos by Todd Dudek, agricultural communications, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, UMES Extension, tdudek@umes.edu.
