UConn 4-H Profile: Zuzanna Rogowski

Exploring Agricultural Biotech Careers

It was the opportunity of a lifetime and showed me that my career path is one I will enjoy.

A decision to join an agriculture and biotechnology program offered by UConn 4-H became a catalyst for Zuzanna Rogowski, opening the door to new opportunities and potential careers. It all started when the Middletown High School junior learned about the 4-H program through her high school’s agriscience program. “I was convinced that I wanted to go into biotech and medical school,” Rogowski says. “When I found out about the 4-H agricultural biotech program, I thought it was a good way to determine if it would be a good career for me.”

Now, she says she feels she has more options and is also considering teaching the biotech class for a high school agriscience program as her future career. Jen Cushman, associate extension educator and state 4-H program leader, created the new initiative, Advancing 4-H Youth Careers in Food and Agriculture via Biotechnology and STEM, with team members from UConn and New Mexico State University. Youth join agricultural biotechnology clubs that offer experiential learning. A biotechnology instructor leads the clubs and coordinates presentations from scientists, field trips to UConn laboratories, and content creation for developing a biotechnology game.

“The program helps youth build knowledge and career awareness as they learn about how biotechnology supports crops through climate resilience, gene editing technology, and basic lab techniques,” says Cushman. “Youth members discuss and learn about the evolving field of agricultural biotechnology and what scientists worldwide are studying.”

The program is built on the 4-H fundamentals of belonging, mastery, independence, and generosity. “I’ve learned about the opportunities I have and what I can do in the future,” Rogowski says. “We spoke to UConn professors and met students. The connections the club has to the different workforce areas are my favorite part. The presentations from professionals showed how many options there are.”

Rogowski gained leadership and experiential learning opportunities through UConn 4-H. She presented her ideas to the teams from New Mexico State University and UConn in March 2023 and continues her program involvement. She also received a scholarship from the 4-H biotechnology and agriculture program to attend Ignite by 4-H, a national conference in Washington D.C. in March of 2023.

The first cohort of youth in the agricultural biotechnology clubs are entering their second year in the program. Youth interested in joining the biotech clubs or playing the game can visit s.uconn.edu/biotech.

Article by Stacey Stearns. Read the full article at s.uconn.edu/zuzanna.