Name: Liz Eroshenko

Hometown: Richmond, Virginia

College: College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Major: Environmental ScienceSchool of Plant and Environmental Sciences

What are your plans after graduation?
I’ll be heading to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln to begin a master’s degree focused on soil change in the Great Plains. I’ll also be serving as an assistant coach for the UNL Soil Judging Team. My long-term goal is to earn a Ph.D. so I can become a professor of soil science and continue coaching soil judging teams.

What’s been the best part of your educational experience?
The mentorship I’ve received has been the most meaningful part of my journey. I’ve been lucky to work in Dr. Brian Badgley’s environmental microbiology lab, where I’ve learned so much from him, his graduate students, and postdocs about science, collaboration, and curiosity. Dr. John Galbraith has also shaped my love of soil science and inspired me with his selflessness, dedication, and ability to connect deeply with students. These mentors have shown me what great teaching and leadership look like.

What hands-on learning experiences helped shape your career path?
I’ve been involved in several research projects at Virginia Tech, including studies on soil color and carbon with Dr. Angela Possinger and Dr. Galbraith, and an independent project investigating financial barriers to student participation in national soil judging competitions. That work led to a partnership with the Agronomic Science Foundation (ASF), and thanks to our outreach, ASF awarded a $60,000 trial grant to support soil judging teams over the next three years.

Outside the lab, I interned with an environmental consulting company, where I gained real-world experience augering soils, creating septic designs using AutoCAD, and seeing how soil science is applied in the private sector. I also participated in a geology and soil science field course in Alaska and completed a service-learning trip to Glacier National Park through the National Collegiate Honors Council. These experiences expanded my perspective and strengthened my commitment to the field.

What extracurriculars and leadership roles have meant the most to you?
The Virginia Tech Soil Judging Team has been the most impactful part of my undergraduate experience. I joined the team as a freshman and quickly fell in love with both the science and the sense of community. As president during my sophomore and junior years, I helped grow the team by expanding membership, launching new officer positions, and leading fundraising efforts. We won two national championships and had the chance to compete across the country — all while building close friendships and learning together in the field.

Beyond soil judging, I served as a peer mentor and teaching assistant in the Soils in the Landscape lab, which helped me develop as an educator. I was also active in Lambda Iota Mu, a service fraternity where I connected with others who share a passion for service and the environment.

How did scholarships or financial aid support your education?
Scholarships and financial aid made it possible for me to fully engage in academics, research, and leadership without the stress of working long hours. I received more than $15,000 in support from Virginia Tech through CALS scholarships, grants, and club funding. That support allowed me to say “yes” to opportunities that shaped who I am — both professionally and personally.

 

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