Class of 2025: Samantha Corduan puts precision agriculture into practice
An Outstanding Senior in the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Corduan combines global experience, agricultural technology expertise, and campus leadership to shape the future of sustainable farming.
Name: Samantha Corduan
Hometown: Edenton, North Carolina
Major: Crop and Soil Sciences in the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences
College: College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
What are your plans after graduation?
I’m heading to Kansas to work for PrairieLand Partners, one of the top John Deere dealerships in the country. I’ll focus on precision agriculture and the latest innovations in ag equipment technology. In August, I’ll begin my M.S. in Agricultural Education and Communications at Kansas State University and work toward a graduate certificate in Agricultural and Occupational Safety and Health. I plan to stay in the precision ag industry long-term—and now that I’ve earned my remote pilot license, I hope to one day fly drones to survey and analyze agricultural fields.
What’s been the best thing about your educational experience?
The people in the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences have made all the difference. Every professor, advisor, and classmate I’ve met shares a passion for agriculture. It was comforting to walk into my agronomy classes each semester and see the same friendly faces I met as a freshman.
One professor who had a huge impact on me was Ozzie Abaye. Her Crop Evaluation class challenged me in the best way and helped shape me as both a student and a professional. Her patience and kindness while I was learning to identify crops and weeds meant the world to me, and her encouragement really set the tone for the rest of my academic journey.
What hands-on learning experiences helped shape your path?
During my sophomore year, I had the incredible opportunity to be a part of the Presidential Global Scholars program through the Honors College and study at the Steger Center in Riva San Vitale, Switzerland. I conducted a research project comparing herbicide use for cotton production in the U.S. and Italy, and participated in group projects exploring Swiss agriculture, culture, and sustainability. Visiting vineyards, cheese factories, and small farms abroad sparked my interest in international agriculture and deepened my love for the industry.
I also had three incredible summer internships. With Coastal AgroBusiness, I worked in seed, chemical, and precision equipment sales. At Black Gold Farms, the largest potato grower for Frito-Lay, I focused on agronomy. Most recently, I interned with PrairieLand Partners, gaining hands-on experience with ag equipment and precision technology.
What extracurricular activities were most meaningful?
By far, the most involved extracurricular activity of my college journey was being a member of the Student Alumni Associates, known as the “100 Most Spirited Hokies.” I had the pleasure of volunteering at alumni events, networking with past and present Hokies, and spreading awareness of university events. I also served as the first director of leadership for SAA, where I led a team of five committee chairs to strengthen member development. I helped recruit 35 new members and spearheaded SAA’s first fall recruitment season. Our team’s work led to SAA receiving the Excellence in Membership Engagement award at the Spring 2024 Student Organization Leadership Awards. This organization helped me grow as a leader and gave me a strong sense of community — personally and professionally.
What’s your favorite Virginia Tech memory?
The most fulfilling parts of being a student here have been participating in the events that bring our university and community together. Events like the 3.2 for 32 Run in Remembrance, Thank-a-Donor Day, and The Big Event remind me what it means to be a Hokie and practice Ut Prosim (That I May Serve). There truly is no community like Hokie Nation, and these events are what make Virginia Tech feel most like home.
How did scholarships or financial aid advance your education and college experience?
Receiving the Stamps Scholarship was the reason I am a Virginia Tech student today. A four-year, merit-based scholarship that covers the full cost of attendance, the Stamps Scholarship provided me with many opportunities throughout my college experience. I was able to study abroad thanks to the enrichment fund provided with Stamps, which otherwise would not have been a possibility. Within our graduating class of eight Stamps Scholars, I met some of my closest friends who I have had many adventures with over these past four years. The diversity of majors and backgrounds within our Stamps Scholars class introduced me to people with different ways of thinking, and I’ve learned so much from each of them.